Keep Kids Moving

According to Korohen Jones, the manager of the Huntsville Hospital Wellnes Center, kids must remain active throughout the year. She states that kids have probably been very active during the summer, but wintertime may lead to kids hibernating on the sofa.

During the winter, studies show that children burn half as many calories while consuming more calories than they do the rest of the year. It's not that kids are less energetic during the winter season; they just lack the self-discipline to seek physically engaging activities.

It is up to parents to get creative with opportunities for physical play. Here are some of Korohen's suggestion to make cold weather activity fun and easy. She recommends 60 minutes of daily activity for kids.

1. Go outside and play - Make sure your child is layer closest to the skin is a moisture-wicking fabric. Keep cotton layers away from your skin because they have a tendency to hold moisture. Bundle up with gloves, a scarf and headgear, and play in the backyard or at the neighborhood playground.

2. Have a dance contest - Freestyle or work on a routine to perform for the family.

3. Build a fort - Use some chairs and a sheet to build a fort. Then go on a "bear hunt". Just use your imagination.

4. Scarf Catch - This is fun for younger children. Throw the scarf up in the air, and try to catch it before it hits the ground.

5. Create a parachute using a sheet - Throw some balloons or balled up socks on top to create a wave of excitement.

6. Try a walking challenge for older kids - Use pedometers to challenge the family to see who can get the most steps by dinnertime.

7. Hallway bowling - Use two-liter plastic bottles as pins and a tennis ball as the bowling ball.

Just come up with fun activities that the family can do together and keep active during the cold months.

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