Being active for at least an hour a day is the way to go. Here are some reasons why:

• It’s lots of fun!
• It gives you more energy
• You can do it with your friends or by yourself
• It improves your concentration
• It builds strong muscles and bones
• It keeps your heart healthy
• It helps you to keep a healthy weight
• It helps you to sleep better

Did you know that running around, dancing, swimming, jumping rope, playing sports, and walking are all great ways to be active? Sure, you should still enjoy your videogames, IMing with friends, and watching some TV. There’s lot’s to do, so the key is finding the right balance. Too much of anything isn’t good - don’t spend all of your time on the couch in front of the TV or sitting at the computer.

Just like you take care of your favorite toy or baseball card, you need to take care of your body. Being active, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and sleeping well are really good ways to do this. Your body’s like a machine. If you don’t take care of it, it’ll stop working well.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

When you’re Being Active, it’s also important to Be Aware of potential dangers like overdoing it, dehydration, and safety. Being aware of how to use your body and tricks to avoid getting hurt are important for staying active in the future. Here are some really simple tips for you:

• Make sure you drink plenty of water
• Wear sneakers when you’re being active. If you’re playing a sport, ask your coach or parents if you need a special type of sneaker.
• If you’re riding a bike, skating, or playing contact sports, make sure you wear your helmet
• Warm-up your muscles by going for a walk or jogging for a few minutes and stretching (slow, steady stretches)

Now, step away from your computer, throw on your sneakers, and Be Active!