Get Active
Go Outside, Play This Labor Day Weekend
Ed. note: This is crossposted from blogs.usda.gov. See the original post here. Learn more about the history of Labor Day, and the history of the U.S. Department of Labor.
What better way to spend a three-day weekend than outside with friends and family? America’s national forests and grasslands offer a wide variety of recreation opportunities ranging from backcountry camping far from civilization to developed picnic areas with all the facilities you need for the perfect end-of-summer barbecue with family and friends.
Of course, there are still fires burning in some areas of the country so check the status of your destination before heading out. Safety is key.
Here are a few ideas to help you plan your weekend:
Camping
Ditch the video games and cable box this weekend and spend the night outside. Check out Recreation.gov for the latest information on reservations for developed camp sites. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the national forests have plenty of undeveloped sites offering a more up-close-and-personal experience with nature. Check your local forest or grassland web pages for more information.
Let’s Move! Executive Director, Sam Kass Kicks off the School Year with Healthy Kid Friendly Meals on the TODAY Show
As school bells rang across the country this morning, Let’s Move! Executive Director Sam Kass visited the TODAY Show to talk about the importance of nutritious meals for kids—both in school and at home. He also highlighted Let’s Move! Active Schools, the First Lady’s initiative to really get kids active throughout the school day.
First Lady Michelle Obama Encourages Kids to Stay Active at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day to Kick Off the U.S. Open
It’s almost time to see those smashing forehands and backhands! Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the U.S. Open to celebrate the 18th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which brings together thousands of kids and families, tennis players, and celebrities to celebrate the life and legacy of the tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe. The First Lady spoke to the kids and their families about the importance of staying active and she announced a new commitment that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) pledged to the Partnership for a Healthier America in support of Let’s Move!
Evidence of Progress: New CDC Report Shows Declines in Childhood Obesity Rates Among Low-Income Preschoolers
When we launched Let’s Move! in 2010, many people saw no end in sight to rising rates of childhood obesity. But, today a light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to emerge. The evidence is in, and we could not be more excited!
First, there was a report showing a decline in obesity in Mississippi of 13% among elementary school students, as well as decreases in Philadelphia, New York City, and California. And today, according to the latest Vital Signs report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity rates among low-income preschoolers modestly declined in 19 U.S. states and territories between 2008 and 2011.
Get the Kids and Get Active for National Exercise with Your Child Week!
Any parent will tell you – kids have a lot of energy.
That’s why this week is all about harnessing that energy and turning it into productive playtime! National Exercise With Your Child Week, which runs August 4-10th, encourages parents and guardians alike to empower their children to become physically active. Staying active together can help children build confidence while teaching them the importance of physical activity to lead a healthy life.
Be Ahead of the Curve: San Francisco Giants on Instilling Healthy Habits Early On
Joining President Obama at the White House this Tuesday to celebrate their second World Series win in three years, some athletes from the San Francisco Giants took a moment to speak with Let’s Move! about the importance of cultivating healthy habits in children. Players Marco Scutaro and Gregor Blanco addressed the role parents play in making sure their kids are making healthy choices.
Double Header: San Francisco Giants Visit White House and Talk Healthy Living
This shouldn’t be something out of left field: health matters. Especially if you’re trying to win a World Series! Visiting the White House yesterday to celebrate their 2012 World Series victory, athletes from the San Francisco Giants shared their insights with Let’s Move! about why eating healthy and staying active are important habits to cultivate at a young age. The players emphasized that helping kids develop a healthy lifestyle is key to their future success, whether on or off the field.
Pop, Lock, and Drop It! – Dance Your Way to Better Health This National Dance Day
Get out your tights, tap shoes, and tutus – all that jazz – National Dance Day is just a hop, skip, and a jump away!
Michelle Obama Empowers Latino Community at National Council of La Raza Conference
Speaking to over 1,800 attendees at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama exclaimed, “Food is love… it’s how we pass on our culture and heritage as meals become family traditions and recipes are passed on from generation to generation.”
Way to Go Beantown! Boston Celebrates Healthy Food and Physical Activity in Child Care
From Hyde Park to the South End, child care providers across Boston are making healthier choices for their children by joining the Boston Healthy Childcare Initiative, launched by Mayor Thomas M. Menino in his 2012 State of the City address.
