Healthy Active Living for Families Antigonish Education Centre

Healthy Active Living for Families Antigonish Education Centre

Why be active ACTIVE KIDS Improve memory and concentration at school Burn excess energy Build self esteem Grow a healthy heart, bones, and muscles ACTIVE ADULTS Reduce risk of disease Maintain a healthy weight Boost energy & Reduce stress ACTIVE FAMILIES Positive role model for kids Fun, family social time Parent/child bonding ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS Reduce your risk of falls Build stronger muscles and bones Reduce risk of disease Continue living independently

What can parents do to increase Physical Activity Start early in life Role modeling Balance screen time with active time Variety Dress for success Schedule It! (Taken from: http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/centrehealthyactiveliving)

Tips to Tame the Screen Set basic rules & weekly plans e.g. no screen time before homework or chores are done e.g. let your child choose 2 shows or computer/video games they can watch/play each day No watching TV, playing with ipod during mealtimes Choose specific shows to watch avoid TV on as constant background Share expectations with caregivers Childhood Obesity Resource: Obesity Society Participation www.participation.com

We Need to Walk the Walk: Parents as Role Models Our own health behaviors Engage in activity yourself and limit your own screen time Make Family time Active time Start with Small Changes & build routine Walk to school (even if only part of the way) with your kids A Saturday walk and then a movie Work at Consistency (Taken from: http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/centrehealthyactiveliving)

Putting It all together: The Balancing Act Kids need to move but they also need downtime We don t want to over-schedule our kids Time to recharge Learning emotion regulation and self-soothing skills Unstructured Play is just as important as structured play Fosters creativity and social development Self determination Schedule in downtime and unstructured play as you would structured activities. (Taken from: http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/centrehealthyactiveliving)

Get outside together! School Playgrounds (AEC/SAJS) Beaver Mountain Park Keppoch (Positive Action for Keppoch) Antigonish Landing Bethany Hiking Trail Fairmont Ridge Hiking Trail Columbus Field / Pipers Glen Family Skates (Antigonish Arena / StFX) Beaches Go Fishing!

Recreation in Antigonish Town Rec Coordinator Tricia Cameron Phone: 863-2351, ext. 233 Winter Fitness Classes Recreation Funding support: Jump Start Kid Sport Kids First Jump Jingle and Jive Program Antigonish Walking Group - Wednesdays at 12pm noon at Columbus Field Track - FREE Snow Shoe Loan Program: Book them by calling Melanie at 863-2351, 221. County Rec Coordinator Marlene Melanson Physical Activity Coordinator - Sherlyn Aker Phone:863-1141 Check out the County Quarterly for fun family activities Snow Shoe & Nordic Walking Pole Loan Program Fit4Lit 1 mile (4 laps)5km & 10 km Run & Walk Event a fundraiser for Antigonish County Adult Learning Association

Ski Antigonish

Paddle Antigonish Thursday evening paddles from 6pm 9pm Various Lakes around the county Contact Andrew Foran aforan@stfx.ca

Fresh Air Society Outdoor Activities freshairsocietyantigonish@gmail.com or visit www.theanthill.com Free Play for Youth Harbour Sky Astronomy Paddle Antigonish Educational Sessions/FieldTrips (ski weekends, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, family camping trips, bicycle tours, canoeing and kayaking, stargazing evenings, and many group hikes.)

The program is designed to provide outdoor leadership development for anyone wishing to upgrade their current outdoor and leadership skills. Environmental Interpretation Wilderness Camping Skills Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethics Wilderness Navigation Outdoor Survival Emergency Procedures Visit: www.nsold.ca for more information on specific programs

Antigonish County Kids First Family Resource Centre delivers free programs and services to families with children ages 0-6 in Antigonish County. 27 St. Andrews Street in the or call us at 863-3848 We also offer prenatal supports to pregnant women within the community. With a wide range of parenting, parent-child and child focused program we are certain you can find something that meets your needs.

Remember ACTIVE KIDS Improve memory and concentration at school Burn excess energy Build self esteem Grow a healthy heart, bones, and muscles ACTIVE ADULTS Reduce risk of disease Maintain a healthy weight Boost energy & Reduce stress ACTIVE FAMILIES Positive role model for kids Fun, family social time Parent/child bonding ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS Reduce your risk of falls Build stronger muscles and bones Reduce risk of disease Continue living independently