Fitness – it’s a family affair

  • Published
  • 341st Force Support Squadron Marketing Division
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  President Obama recently signed a memorandum establishing a childhood obesity task force so that children today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

Don't wait for the task force to tell you the obvious - get up, get out and get fit as a family now. The statistics are staggering - 16 percent of youth ages 6 to 19 today are obese and another 15 percent are considered at risk of becoming overweight.

Fit families are healthy families. Sharing physical activities with your kids isn't just a good way to get the heart pumping and burn calories but it also is a great way to build family bonds. Not only will your kids remember and treasure the time you spent together but you will be setting them up for a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

The Force Support Squadron encourages you and your family to become a part of the new Air Force initiative "FitFamily." FitFamily promotes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Families can register at www.USAFFitFamily.com or stop by the Youth Center and the staff will help you with registration. Families who register at the Youth Center will receive a FREE FitFamily gear bag. Once your family has registered, log on daily to input your points. Some of the activities families receive points for are: camping, fishing, cleaning the house, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, hiking, walking 10,000 steps a day, playing catch, washing dishes, eating healthy meals, and much, much more.

Be sure to check out the monthly activities offered by FSS agencies that will help you and your family achieve your family fitness goals. Here are a few examples:

· Bowling Center (731-2695)
o Sunday family day bowling
o Try a baked potato at the Snack Bar instead of a Malmstrom burger

· Community Center (731-3359)
o Come to the Family Night for food, games, and fun

· Child Development Center (731-2417)
o Join your child's rooms for a walk
o Help plant the CDC garden this spring

· Arts and Crafts (731-3641)
o Wash and vacuum out your family car

· Fitness Center (731-3621)
o Bring the kids to the Family Fun Zone indoor playground located in the upper gym of the old Fitness Center
o Ages 6 to 12 (accompanied at all times by an adult) can use the basketball court, play a game of racquetball, or jog on the running track
o Ages 13 to 15 (accompanied at all times by an adult) can use the cardio and weight equipment in addition to the basketball court, racquetball courts, and track

· Outdoor Recreation (731-3263)
o Sign up for one of the many family excursions offered: skiing, snowshoeing, rafting, camping, etc.
o Go horseback riding - discount tickets available

· Youth Center (731-4634)
o Dance with your kids - come try out the Dance Revolution machine
o Coach the Little League baseball or softball team your child is on
o Take part in America's Run in May
o Chaperone summer day camp fields trips: rafting, mini-golf, hiking, horseback riding

To learn more about the programs listed above call or stop by the activity and talk to staff.