April is the Month of the Military Child and at March Air Reserve Base, we value our children and their health. With that in mind, we reprint this article from www.mlitaryonesource.mil to help each of us know more about our children’s health and fitness.
Physical education, or PE, is more than just a class in school and it’s for more than just athletes. Physical Education means making sure you know how to keep your body feeling good every day, no matter who you are. One way to do that is to make sure that you stay physically fit and active.
Find activities that you like to do. Do you like to play soccer or basketball? Do you like to swim or take walks? Do you like to dance or do yoga? Figure out what makes you happy and try to be active at least once a day.
Keep track of your “screen time.” Ask yourself: How long have I been sitting in front of the TV or the computer? If the answer is more than one hour, it’s time to get moving! Instead of instant messaging your friends all night long, get together for a walk or a game of basketball. If it must be video games, make it an active one!
Check out your school, local gym or YMCA. Many times you can get a great gym membership rate as a student and find that you enjoy lifting weights, taking fitness classes or playing a game of pick-up basketball. The March Fitness Center is free and open to dependents 16 years and older.
Do activities solo. If you’re alone, ride a bike, do a fitness video, walk the dog, invent some new dance moves or try some jumping jacks and push-ups.
Get a group of friends together. If you’re with others, play baseball or basketball, go to the gym, head to the local park, go for a group run/walk or a bike ride, or make up a dance routine.
Stay hydrated. When you’re active, make sure you drink a lot of water.
And have fun! Whether you’re stuck inside due to rain or heat, all by yourself or with a whole group of friends, there’s always a way to have fun while being active. If the weather seems too hot (or cold): go swimming, wash the car, go for an early-morning hike or go to the gym.
For more information and resources to help military youth and teens navigate everything from the unique challenges of a military life to managing their social lives, saving money and going green, search for Military Youth on the Move on the militaryonesource website.
