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It’s Never Too Early (Or Too Late!) For Heart Healthy Choices

Posted on Feb 19, 2016

Did you know that February is American Heart Month? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, so this month is all about raising awareness, spreading information, and encouraging people to make healthier choices for better heart health. As a parent, you not only have to care for your own health, but also instill good habits in your kids. Read on to learn more about how to help your kids develop healthy habits, and remember, it's never too late to make a change! The best thing you can do is model these behaviors for your kids...Your heart will thank you!

Exercise every day

Here at Monkey Joe's Winter Park, we have a saying: Active Kids = Happy Hearts! That's because one of the most important parts of heart health is daily exercise! According to the American Heart Association, "Play every day" is one of the 7 simple ways to live better. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree, stating that kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day for optimal health. 

Make movement fun

At Monkey Joe's, you can make sure your kids are getting hours of active play no matter what the weather is like outside. Visit our indoor playground and let your kids run wild bouncing, sliding, jumping, crawling, and climbing on the many exciting inflatables. You can also incorporate more movement into your family's routine by taking a daily walk, signing up for local running events (most local charity runs have a "fun run" aspect for the kiddos), kicking a soccer ball around at the park, or swimming laps at the local pool. Make it fun and your kids (and you) are more likely to stick with it and maintain a healthy activity level for better heart health.