|
Relationship to Building
Strong Families
Our health and well-being affect
everything our families do. Many factors influence our health, including
what we eat and how active we are. Eating meals that are good for us and
exercising can be a part of family activities that help strengthen
relationships. Kids sometimes like to help in the kitchen, and families
can enjoy quality time when they eat meals together. Exercising as a
family could mean a neighborhood walk or a team sport played in the back
yard. Memorable family traditions are often linked to food and fun
physical activities.
Brief program description
Making healthy food choices and
staying active can be a challenge. But it’s not impossible—good
nutrition and fitness habits can be learned. This module focuses on
healthy food choices and tips for staying fit that work even when time is
limited.
Research findings
People feel better when they are
eating healthfully and exercising regularly. Many studies show the
connection between good nutrition and health. Lowering fat intake by
eating more fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of cancer,
heart disease, and high blood pressure.
MyPyramid is a guide to help all healthy
people over 2 years of age make healthful food choices. It is based
on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans set by the US Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The guidelines help people choose diets
that will meet nutrient requirements, promote health, support active lives
and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Physical activity
plays an important role in our health. Regular exercise can help people
lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, stop smoking, lose weight,
maintain healthy weight and keep bones strong. Aerobic, non-aerobic, and
weight-bearing activities are all important.
Goals and objectives
- Learn to use MyPyramid to make healthier
food choices
- Learn about balanced eating
- Understand the importance of family
meals
- Increase meal planning skills with kids
- Define basic fitness concepts
- Learn how to incorporate physical
activity into your life
- Establish small steps for a healthier
life style
Target audience
Working families with children
Developed by:
Lucy Schrader
Building Strong Families Program Coordinator
Suzi McGarvey
Extension Associate
With contributions and reviews from
University of Missouri Extension Faculty:
Janet Hackert
Nutrition Specialist
Brenda Procter
Consumer and Family Economics State Specialist
Linda Rellergert
Nutrition Specialist
Ellen Schuster
Nutrition State Specialist
Lynda Zimmerman
Nutrition Specialist
Original module author:
Amy Sigman
Nutrition Extension Associate
|
