It’s fall and the weather is perfect for walking, just in time for International Walk to School day. Take the time to walk with your kids to school and use the time to:
- Have a fun conversation with your child or teen
- Get some clean air and exercise and…
- Enjoy nature and other fun sights on the way!
Thousands of schools across America and in more than 40 countries worldwide celebrate walking to school on the same day.
This event has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration of safer and more accessible streets, healthier habits and cleaner air.
According to Safe Routes to School, When walking or biking, parents and children get to appreciate things they don’t notice while driving—listening to the sounds of the neighborhood, seeing friends and neighbors and feeling connected with their community.
Walking and bicycling to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. In contrast, insufficient physical activity can contribute to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents get one hour or more of physical activity each day. Research suggests that physically active kids are more likely to become healthy, physically active adults, underscoring the importance of developing the habit of regular physical activity early.
Find out how you can participate at WalkBiketoSchool.com.
For more healthy lifestyle tips, read our Wellness section.
