| Today when I picked up my son from school we did | | | | intake to the blood and strengthens your heart, |
| not go home or run errands. Instead we headed to our | | | | improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. |
| local park and went for a walk. Well, truthfully, I walked | | | | Walking also helps your body regulate blood sugar and |
| and he rode his scooter. Sometimes when we take a | | | | cholesterol levels. |
| walk in the park he rides his bike. That is not important. | | | | In addition to health benefits, walking also offers |
| What is important is that we are outside doing | | | | emotional benefits for your relationship with your child. If |
| something active together. There are three good | | | | you make it a point to walk together at least three |
| reasons why you should take your child for a walk in | | | | times a week then that is three occasions when you |
| the park. | | | | can talk without distraction or interruption. You can |
| An important reason for taking regular walks with your | | | | focus on what your child is saying (or not saying) and |
| child is health. Your health and your child's health can | | | | ask questions about your child's life. You can also talk |
| benefit from walking. An estimated 65 percent of U.S. | | | | about other issues big and small that impact your child |
| adults aged 20 years and older are either overweight | | | | and the world. If your child can rely on these occasions |
| or obese. Between 5-25 percent of children and | | | | then they will also take the opportunity to raise |
| teenagers in the United States are overweight or | | | | concerns and questions they have as well. |
| obese. | | | | Finally, walking offers social benefits that can help build |
| Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol | | | | a stronger relationship with your child and create lasting |
| and high blood pressure, occur with increased | | | | memories. While not every walk will inspire laughter |
| frequency in overweight children and adults as does | | | | and joy over time there will be events and shared |
| Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. | | | | experiences that will last a lifetime. It is these type of |
| Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of | | | | memories that bring families closer together. |
| becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases | | | | So my parenting advice is simply to take a walk in the |
| to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or | | | | park, a hike in the woods, or a stroll through your |
| obese. | | | | neighborhood with your child. It will be provide many |
| Walking at a brisk but comfortable pace for 20 to 30 | | | | health, social and emotional benefits for you and your |
| minutes three times a week increases the oxygen | | | | child. |