This past year, we sheltered in place to protect our families from COVID-19 transmission. Although necessary, this decision marked the beginning of a sedentary lifestyle. Reduced physical activity among youth can affect their cardiovascular health, bone health, and overall development. Maintaining heart health begins in youth, and integrating exercise into your family’s routine can place your young ones on the right track.
The World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 guidelines on physical activity recommend an average of 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week for youth. The guidelines also encourage reducing sedentary behaviors and practicing regular muscle-strengthening activity.
Parents are an essential resource for modeling good behavior, including self-care, to their children. When adults share the benefits of exercise, youth are more likely to tend to and nourish their bodies as well. Invite them to a jump-rope competition in the backyard, a game of a tug-of-war, or another age-appropriate activity of their choice.
A nutritious diet supports an active lifestyle and is integral to maintaining a healthy body. According to Gloria Cabral, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist at Care Resource:
“We should all eat a healthy, balanced diet low in saturated fat, moderate in carbohydrates and protein, and high in fruits and vegetables. Integrate heart-healthy foods into your diet, such as leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and berries. Your registered dietitian can tell you how many servings of carbohydrates you should be eating daily and you can stick to that. Although some carbohydrates are better for you than others, it’s the total number of carbohydrates that counts and not the form you’re eating them in. Fat should also be kept to a minimum.”
Discuss your child’s health and diet with a medical provider in order to determine their needs. To meet the needs of new and existing patients who are remaining at home, Care Resource is offering primary care services via telehealth. To make an appointment, please visit careresource.org or call (305) 576-1234 to pre-register.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
Locations: Miami-Dade County
Midtown
3801 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137
T: 305.576.1234
F: 305.571.2020
Miami Beach
1680 Michigan Ave. Ste. 912
Miami Beach, FL 33139
T: 305.534.0503
T: 305.673.3555
F: 305.538.4090
Little Havana
1901 S.W. 1st St. – 3rd FL
Miami, FL 33135
T: 305.203.5230
F: 305.203.5231
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale
871 West Oakland Park Blvd.
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33311
T: 954.567.7141
F: 954.565.5624
English
Spanish