Ideas to Keep Your Kids Healthy and Active

To keep active, my teen son loves organized activities a homeschool co-op mom puts together, like Dodgeball Tournaments and Airsoft Wars

While everyone loves the sight of kids playing in the park, the harsh reality remains that it is a rare sight these days. Considering that only one out of three kids is physically active every day, one can't deny that the health of our children is being jeopardized by the sedentary lifestyle we've adopted. Food adulteration and inorganic food production are the biggest contributors to increasing obesity among children which calls for taking serious measures in keeping kids physically active.

The task however, isn't as difficult as it may sound, provided you set out a routine for your kids. Here are 5 ways you can keep your kids physically active.

1. Fitness Watch

For kids who love gadgets and are always found in their sofas playing on their Play stations and Xbox, fitness trackers can prove to be pretty effective. A fitness watch allows you to connect the device to the app on your phone and set goals and challenges for kids which involve physical movement. By considering the whole activity a game, kids indulge in active physical movement and are rewarded with points, coins and new levels in return.

This keeps them away from screens and out in the ground. Every time the device detects an inactive period, it displays a reminder to take a few steps. A fitness watch keeps your kids motivated and also monitors their sleep and calories intake, being a win-win for both you and your kids. If you're looking to buy a fitness watch for your child, kidsactivitytracker.com has got some good options.

2. One Activity Per Day

To keep kids interested, it is crucial that your daily routine is anything but monotonous. In order to keep that from happening, it is best that you allot a different activity for every day. Lay out a list of options for your kids to select from, this way you get to allot a different activity for every day. If you are taking your kids biking on Monday, you can simply ask them to help you clean around on Tuesday, since it is still fulfilling the purpose of keeping them off the couch.

Set a badminton net or basketball hoop in your backyard and ensure that your kids play in there for a good 30 minutes at least thrice a week. This is one of the most cost effective ways of keeping kids physically active.

3. Sports Club Membership

A good and physically active routine calls for participating in sports actively. A wise step would be to get your kids membership for any sports club. Kids tend to develop an interest for one sport or another from an early age. If parents build on that conviction, the chances of your kid excelling  in that sport increase manifold. Signing up for swimming classes or a basketball game twice or thrice a week would be a good move to keep them physically active.

4. Limit Screen Time

Probably the toughest yet most important thing you will have to do as a parent is to limit screen time, to start off with a healthy lifestyle. The increasing dependence on internet gives kids all the more reason to get exposed to excessive screen time. This, in turn, directly affects their overall health, including eyesight, muscle coordination and movement etc. as well as brain activity.

Therefore, you will need to take strict measures to keep them off video games, mobiles and tablets. Start off by setting a fixed time for computers and tablet usage. If your kids lack self-governance, you might need to penalize them for excessive time spent using these devices. This may vary within every household. While some kids can be made to help clean the house, others might get less or no TV time at all for the rest of the week.

5. Be a Role Model

As important as it is to make your kids participate in physical activities and sports, the need for acting as a good role model is equally essential. There isn't a more important source of learning for kids than what they see at school and home. The fact that kids are more inclined towards using mobile devices is directly linked to the increased usage of these devices in parents.

Therefore, a healthy lifestyle for the whole family needs to be adopted in general for kids to stay physically active.

What To Look For In The Perfect Hunting Boots

Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential ingredient for any hunting trip. In the notoriously volatile weather, a warm pair of boots is the best way to stay toasty on a long day out in the woods, whilst waterproofing is a top priority to avoid the discomfort of blisters and soggy toes. Advances in materials technology mean that nowadays there are more options than ever for top quality hunting boots. The kind of boot that you choose will depend on the type of hunt and the season you will be hunting in. Here is some information on what to look out for in the perfect hunting boots:

Field Boots

The durable and breathable nature of field boots makes them a top choice year-round. A good pair of field boots is usually constructed from a combination of top-quality leather, nylon and mesh. For a great deal on top-of-the-range hunting boots, check the Great British Outfitters Harkila Boots Sale. Try selecting a boot that uses innovative materials such as Vibram shock absorbing soles which provide the high levels of stability and fit essential for hunting, or Gore-Tex which provides unbeatable comfort and weather protection. To learn more about the wonders of Gore-Tex technology, check out various articles for some interesting facts. For more extreme temperatures, go for a boot with inbuilt frost management technology which will prevent frosting and maintain and comfortable level of warmth in snowy terrain.

Rubber Boots

Rubber boots are scent-free, making them a great option if you want to remain undetected by your prey. They also offer a high level of waterproofing, making them a great choice for the rainy winter months or for swampy hunting grounds. Furthermore, they offer unparalleled grip which is perfect for hunting on challenging or muddy terrain. On the other hand, they are slightly less breathable so they tend to retain a lot of heat, which means they are not the best choice for summer hunting trips. However, more advanced wellingtons may employ venting technology such as H-vent neoprene lining, so look out for boots with this feature.

The Perfect Fit

Whilst both types of boot have their own unique set of advantages, no matter what type you go for, it is absolutely imperative to get the right fit. Remember that you are likely to be wearing thick socks when hunting, so this should be factored in when selecting your size. It is advisable to go half a size up if the option is available, as your feet will also expand throughout the day as you walk. The lining and the support of the boot are also important considerations to ensure a comfortable fit.

There are many factors to think about when selecting the perfect hunting boot, and everybody is different. Bear in mind that one type of boot may not be suitable for every occasion, so it is wise to have one or more pairs so that you can be prepared for any situation. Reputable online retailers offer a wide range of products all in one place, making it easy to contrast and compare and allowing you to find the perfect fit.

Runs/Walks in Kansas City: Trolley Run April 24, 2018

What: Trolley Run

When: Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 7:45 a.m.

Where: 75th and Wornall is where it starts, and it concludes on the Country Club Plaza

Trolley Run is the largest annual fundraiser for the Children’s

 Center for the Visually Impaired. All funds raised from the

 race go toward critical programming at the center.

Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Turning the Tables: Helping Your Parents Stay Healthy

As your parents get older, it's difficult not to worry about their health. Keeping them happy and healthy becomes one of your top concerns, but you might not want to appear to be too interfering. If you want to help them with their health, make sure you work with them, keeping communication open. You don't want to make decisions for them if they're capable of doing it themselves or at least having some input. Whether they're able to decide things for themselves or they need some help, there are a few things you can assist them with.

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Medical Coverage

Everyone needs adequate medical insurance coverage if they want to avoid having to pay huge medical costs out of pocket. People aged 65 or older can use the government's Medicare program, which offers federal health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can also "top up" Medicare coverage using supplement plans, like the ones at www.gomedigap.com/medicare-supplement-plans/. These plans are standardized, so whichever insurance company you use, you will get the same coverage. Health insurance can always be hard to understand, so lending a hand if your parents are struggling is helpful.

Making Care Decisions

It's not unusual to need some help with care as you get older. You might find that your parents can no longer be completely independent and you need to think about getting them some extra help. These are the types of decisions you can make together, looking at the options and discussing them to find the best choice. You need to think about several factors, including their care needs, affordability, and what's available in your area. It can be a delicate decision because accepting that you need care is often difficult. Try not to rush things and make sure you communicate with each other.

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Helping with Mental Health

Older people are at risk of developing mental health problems such as depression due to a variety of factors. One of the things that can affect mental health is loneliness, as well as not having an active or sociable lifestyle. You can help by spending time with your parents or encouraging them to socialize, perhaps helping by providing assistance with transport or other things. You can also look out for the signs of depression. It's a good idea to be familiar with the symptoms of dementia too. You can find them at https://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp.

Maximizing Quality of Life

A good quality of life can help to prevent a range of health problems. Staying active and social, as well as maintaining a good diet, all contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Your parents don't need to be living with you for you to encourage them to keep up healthy habits. You can encourage them to stay healthy, and help by making it easier for them. For example, if they need help getting around, you could drive them places or arrange transport. If they have trouble cooking healthy meals for themselves, you could help to provide meals with a meal delivery service or someone who could cook for them.

You can help your parents stay healthy in a number of ways. Just make sure you're not being overbearing or stepping on their toes.

Is A NYC Vacation Possible On A Budget?

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If you ask people which destinations they want to see and experience, I’m sure that the majority will answer with New York City. It’s true that this city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States but, unfortunately, that means that it is also a very expensive city as well. In fact, it has such a reputation for being such an expensive location for tourists, that some travelers are put off from visiting altogether, especially if they are traveling as a family.

Money shouldn’t be a reason to stop you going to NYC, though. In actual fact, it is very possible to enjoy a trip to NYC on a budget. You just need to remember the following tips!

Prepare Your Finances Before You Go

If your finances aren’t in such a good state, it could put a bit of a strain on your vacation. So, it’s a good idea to try and fix them before you head off to NYC. It’s worth checking the Debt Consolidation USA as they have lots of tips to help you get out of debt, and you could also see about consolidating your debt into one easy to handle monthly payment. It’s also worth paying off any credit card bills before you go as well. But be sure not to max out your credit cards again while you are away, as it will only put you in more debt.

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Stay In An Airbnb

Hotels can be incredibly expensive in New York City. In fact, there are a lot of tourists who expect to pay a minimum of $350 per night! No way you and your family can afford that? No problem, you can just book an Airbnb instead. These are much cheaper than staying in a hotel, even if you want to book an entire Airbnb apartment to yourself.

Seek Out Free Entertainment Options

There are lots of free entertainment options in New York City, so you don’t always have to worry about paying for expensive tickets and passes into sights and attractions. For instance, some museums and galleries including the Metropolitan Museum of Art simply ask for an entry donation so you can give as much or as little as you are able to. Other museums, like the American Museum of Natural History are completely free.

Eat During Happy Hours

There are a few budget diners dotted around New York City, but the majority of restaurants and eateries can be quite expensive, especially if you need to feed an entire family. But there is one way around huge bills - you just need to time your meals so they fall into happy hours. Lots of bars and restaurants offer happy hours throughout the day, which involve a lot of deals and discounts. In some cases, you might even be able to half the standard restaurant bill by eating during happy hour.

As you can see, visiting New York City doesn’t have to completely bankrupt you. There are ways to keep it cheap!