Do your kids spend more time inside the house watching TV or playing computer games than they spend playing outside? Do you know what motivates your child? Do you know that regular activity will not only improve your child's health and well being now, but will also benefit his or her health later in life?

Too many kids today are not active

Inactivity is becoming an epidemic among children. Children today are less active than they were just a few years ago because of many factors, including decreasing participation in daily physical education classes at school.

Kids need regular activity!

Lack of exercise is a major reason for the growing rate of obesity among children. Watching TV for even as few as two to five hours per week is linked to being overweight. Instead of just watching TV, encourage your child to spend time each day in participating in those activities that require them to be physically active. Time on the tennis court on a regular basis is one of the best physical activities available.

Exercise can strengthen children's bones now, as well as later in life!

Impact sports such as running, gymnastics and tennis help gain higher bone density than children who are inactive. Building strong bones during childhood helps maintain them later in life.

Active children will increase their chance of becoming healthy adults!

Children who enjoy exercise can develop a lifelong, healthy habit of being physically active. If they stay active as adults, they will enjoy better health. Physical activity can decrease the risk of obesity, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Motivate your kids to move for the fun of it!

The keyword for motivating kids to be active is "fun". Take one step at a time. Encourage your child to swim, ride a bike, play a ball sport with a friend, as well as regularly take a 10-minute activity break while doing homework, watching TV, or playing video games. Motivate your child to participate in school-organized sports and physical education classes. Become a role model!! Get all the family involved in games. Your child is more likely to get involved.