Herefordshirechange4life

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up and about

Modern life can be pretty comfy – sofas, TVs, computer games – there’s just so much to keep kids sat down. But bodies weren’t designed to sit down all the time – they need to walk, jump, run and MOVE to be healthy, grow properly and use up the right amount of energy.

Of course it's important to relax, but there’s a difference between chilling out and vegging out. The fact is that kids who are inactive don’t burn off enough energy and store up fat in their body - yuk.

Up & about is all about trying to get kids moving whenever they can during the day. Simply being up, about and moving burns calories and helps fend off diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

Just getting kids up off the sofa will help. So if they’ve been sitting for a while, get them up to jump around for a bit. You could try limiting the time they spend in front of the TV or computer too.

Don’t forget that a good dose of fresh air  and activity also helps us all sleep better. So tiring out kids with activity every day will help them nod off at a good hour and make them feel alert for the next day.

And if you can walk to school, or anywhere else you need to go, then do that instead of the car – it’s better for the environment and you and the kids. If it’s too far to walk the whole way, try getting the bus but get off one or two stops earlier and walk the last bit. It’s about making small changes to your life to help your kids be more active and stay healthy.

Here are some ideas for things you could do on a budget:
• Have a disco in the lounge with some of your CDs
• Look in charity shops for second-hand board games
• Make a den using some chairs, tables, sheets and towels. Why not have a tea-party in there?
• Make an obstacle course indoors or out. Jump over jumpers and zigzag around shoes
• Get a couple of yo-yos for the kids to keep in their pockets to use when they’re standing about – great for getting their arms going
• Have a catwalk at home and get the kids to parade their favourite clothes for you. Make sure they tidy them away as well though!
• Have a toy and clothes swap party with other families. Get new clothes and games for free!
• Have an indoor picnic
• Get skipping – skipping ropes are cheap and can be great exercise
• Hide and seek – it’s free and fun
• Have a race to see which kid can change their outfit the quickest
• Play hide and seek
Also check out the National Change4Life website for more great fun ways to get your family up and about