Dr. Nick Greiner will be providing sports medicine services
at Mercy Kids Mid Rivers starting Spring 2015.
ST. LOUIS - Winter is here and with it comes the cold, wet weather and shorter days. It’s common for people of all ages to slow down during the winter months, be less active and spend more time in front of TV and computer screens. But being active is an essential part of a child’s health that should not be allowed to hibernate. Regular, vigorous physical activity is an important part of a healthy child’s life. Even though the shortened daylight hours and cold weather can make it more of a challenge, the recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity per day still holds true in the winter.
With getting outside being a challenge, we often have to look for other opportunities for kids to be active. There are many ideas for indoor activities for families to participate in the winter season.
When going out is not an option, there are still plenty of things kids can do to stay active in their own home.
The goal of any of the above activities is fun. Remember, kids will be more likely to participate and stay active if they are having fun. So if parents can be encouraging, a little creative and foster a fun atmosphere, kids are more likely to have an active and healthy winter.
Dr. Nick Greiner, Mercy Clinic family physician, will be providing sports medicine services at Mercy Kids Mid Rivers starting Spring 2015. For more information, please visit www.mercykids.org/cottleville.