Welcome to a new category of my blog simply called ‘Healthy Tips.” Many times, when I write articles for various publications, I need to find sources for the story. Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo Shine (click here) about keeping kids healthy. I was looking for experts and parents to chime in and give their favorite ‘tips’ to help kids (and their families) lead a healthy lifestyle.

The feedback for the story was amazing. The sources had some fantastic points of view that could not be ignored, and I thought their opinions should be viewed on the Your Health Journal web site.

So, enjoy my new series, with some ‘great’ insight from some ‘great’ people giving exceptional and educational points of view.

My one tip for keeping your child healthy (that’s different from what we usually hear about eating more fruits and veggies) would be to encourage movement by accumulating points for other activities. For example, in order to watch their favorite TV show they have to do something physically active for 5 – 10 minutes. Example could be going for a walk, playing an active game, climbing stairs, helping with chores, etc. This would “bank” time for them playing a sedentary video game or watching TV. Not only does this encourage movement, it teaches the child about saving and spending one of their most valuable resources – their energy. Make energy investments into their “bank” and then they can spend it on other things. As children age you could also add in thoughtful activities such as relaxation to “bank” energy.

Heidi Hanna, PhD
CEO , Author, Speaker – SYNERGY