Q: I’m concerned my children aren’t getting enough exercise. I make suggestions, but they act like they’re not interested. Is it really so important that they get out and exercise or should I just let the whole discussion go away?

A: Ensuring that young people get plenty of exercise is essential to healthy growth and development. As a parent, it’s your job to encourage them to exercise. Unfortunately, too many children, including teens, don’t get the heart-healthy activity they should. As a result, about 15% of American children and adolescents are overweight.

Q: Then what can I do to get them to put down the remote and become more active?

A: Start by being a good example by joining them in some light physical activity. Invite the kids to come with you on an errand, only instead of driving, take the sidewalk.

Another thing you can do is watch for community events that feature exercise, and enroll your children in the program.

Last year’s 4th graders from Roseau County participated in the Robert Sweetgall “Move to Improve” program. This motivational walking program was presented in September to all 4th grade students in the county, and many teachers continued the pedometer walking program throughout the school year.

Here are more tips for raising active, heart-healthy children:

• Help your children develop good physical activity habits at an early age, and practice heart-healthy habits together.
• Limit television, movies, videos and computer games to less than two hours a day. Substitute the rest of leisure time with physical activity.
• Plan family outings and vacations that involve vigorous activities such as hiking, bicycling, skiing, swimming, etc.
• Give your children some household chores that require physical exertion. Chores not only teach responsibility but can be good exercise.
• Observe sports and activities your children like. Some children thrive on team sports; others prefer individual activities. Some activities, like tennis and swimming, can be enjoyed for a lifetime and are much easier to learn during childhood.
• If it’s safe to walk or bike rather than drive, do so. Use stairs whenever possible and gradually increase your walking distance.
• Stay involved in your child’s physical education classes at school. At daycare, make sure the kids exercise at least 20 minutes a day. Encourage your school board to emphasize skills students can use for the rest of their lives.
• Choose fitness-oriented gifts like a jump rope, skates, or tennis racket, or a baseball bat. Select the gift with your child's skills and interests in mind.
• Take advantage of your community’s recreation opportunities, such as open gym, public skating, swimming, tennis and locally sponsored fun runs.
• Free your infant from mechanical restraints as much as possible. Strollers and playpens are high on convenience but low on activity potential.