The Five Pillars of a Healthy Family Home

One of the chief areas of focus of the Y is healthy living. We all know how to live as a healthy family, eat well and exercise, right?
Well, there is more to it than that. In an effort to address this issue, the Y has identified Five Pillars of a Healthy Family Home; click each pillar below for starter kits and more information on how you can implement these initiatives into your family's life! 

Eat Healthy
This is a big one. Sure, we all know how to eat healthy, but the key is to put proper structures in place to help foster these habits so that they become second nature. The Y offers helpful printable worksheets to help you get started on this plan.

Play Every Day
By engaging in play, every day, we aim to curb the epidemic of childhood obesity. Play helps kids' learn and develop skills that can be used in all areas of their life. It reduces stress and helps them stay energized; we all need a little more play in our day!

Get Together
Few things are more important than our relationships with one another. Time and again this is identified as a cornerstone of happiness, health and well-being. The relationships between adults and children are particularly important and rewarding. Make time for each other, you won't regret it.

Go Outside
Another pillar that is key to children's learning and development (and goes well with playing every day) is going outside. With our increased reliance on digital media, this pillar serves as a reminder that the outdoors is always calling—go outside and explore the world together!

Sleep Well
Did you know that humans are the only mammals that willingly delay sleep?* There is a reason for that: we need it and all the other mammals know! Sleep is necessary and essential for performing optimally in all areas of your life. It affects metabolism, cognitive function and energy; children ages 3-12, should be sleeping 10-12 hours a day.

Use the links above to help keep your family a healthy family, the Y way!

*http://www.sleepfoundation.org/alert/25-random-facts-about-sleep
**http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/sleep-children