Keeping fit during the winter months can be challenging. For some, getting the kids out-of-doors is a dilemma as they may be more interested in watching television, playing video games or spending hours online. If this is the case, your kids may develop Nature Deficit Disorder and miss out on an opportunity to enjoy what makes Canada different from most countries: winter.
It’s also important to encourage a healthy lifestyle in children as childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in North America. In Canada, it has been reported that the childhood obesity rate has tripled over the past 15 years, according to Dr. David Lau, a professor and the chair of the Diabetes and Endocrine Research Group at the University of Calgary.
Skating, sledding, snowboarding and downhill skiing are classic outdoor Canadian activities that will keep your family fit.
Sledding
- Make sure your sled is sturdy and that you can steer it. Never use homemade sleds like garbage-can lids, plastic bags or pool floats. They may loose control if you’re sledding.
- Wear gloves and boots to keep warm and to protect your hands and feet from injury.
- Wear a bike helmet.
- Check to make sure the hill is designated for sledding. Make sure the hill isn’t too steep and that it’s not icy.
- Look for any obstacles like trees, bushes and rocks. They may be concealed by snow.
- Make sure the hill doesn’t end near cars on the road.
- Never ride on a sled that’s pulled by a car, truck or snowmobile.
Skating
- Skate only on approved ice. Skate with your kids. If you your kids are old enough to skate without adult supervision, skate with a friend.
- Wear skates that fit properly.
- Wear a helmet.
- Skate safely for everybody’s sake. Skate in the same direction as the crowd and don’t dart across the traffic. Your kid may be a terrific skater, but there may be others who are on blades for the first time and may not have control of their own momentum.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
- Whether it’s a snowboard or skis, boots and bindings, make sure your kid’s equipment fits properly.
- Equipment that’s too big – like hand-me-downs that you hope your kid will grow into – will make it hard for your kid to keep control.
- Ski boots designed for kids are a more flexible than boots for adults.
- Wear a helmet and goggles.
- Wear elbow and knee pads.
- Take a lesson. It’ll keep you and your kids from getting frustrated and injured.
- Keep tabs on the skiing or snowboarding trails your kids are using. Help them with safe choices.
Maximizing Outdoor Fun
- Stay warm. Dress in layers and take advantage of fabrics made for cold weather if possible. This will mean your kid can stay outside without worrying about frostbite. As well, staying warm will help bodies work properly.
- Sunscreen is important during the winter months. Sunlight reflects off of snow and ice, so cover up with sunscreen (with a minimum SPF of 15) and lip balm that contains sunscreen.
Healthy Choices for Parents and Kids
