Physical Activity

As we enter spring, it’s a great time to remind patients of the benefits of doing more physical activity outdoors. These include positive effects on attention, coordination, vision, and development.
3 fun suggestions to get families moving are:
1. Set a family goal around exercise. Is it a small hike, walking to and from school, or a parent-child 3K? Find a fun way to promote connection through a physical challenge outside.
2. Celebrate Earth Day with a garbage collecting walk around your block, at a favorite playground, or even at the beach. Besides the benefit of time outdoors, this also helps connect children to their surroundings and increase responsibility.
3. Take physical breaks to interrupt screen time. Try setting the timer to interrupt video game, iPad, or TV time with 20 jumping jacks, 10 push ups, or a quick jog in place. Exercise is a great balance to time spent on screens and can help to improve attention and behavior when used as a brain break!
PROVIDERS, for more FREE resources you can use in your well-child visits, like flyers, posters, user guides, and more, sign up for the Keystones of Development Provider Portal: parenting.moun...