I trudged out of the office at 6:15 today and dragged myself, as well as my tired spouse, to our local Crossfit Gym: Crossfit One World
By 8pm - we were bouncing out of there with new energy. Will we be sore tomorrow from the work out featuring kettlebell swings, box jumps, and sprint runs? Yes. But our heads, hearts, and bodies are stronger, leaner, healthier. No matter how many hours we work - we still prioritize exercise because health is an essential lifestyle factor that impacts every aspect of daily function. We notice the payoff in terms of improved mood, good sleep quality, strength and endurance gains - and in the worry-free results of every blood pressure and cholesterol test.
We would rather make time to exercise now than have to make time for illness later. I once read an article about Condaleeza Rice, who would wake at 5 am in order to exercise before starting her busy workday as Secretary of State. Heck, if Condi Rice can find the time to work out - those of us with relatively normal jobs have no excuse!
I am grateful that I grew up in a household where the importance of caring for one's physical health was taught since I was a child. Dessert was usually fresh fruit, and playtime consisted of running like fiends in Golden Gate park, or going to the swimming pool. Excessively sugary or artificially colored foods and sodas were banned in our house (except for the occasional holiday party). We were not allowed much TV time, and my parents to this day (pushing 70) create time in their lives for exercise. I am proud of my parents for practicing Kung Fu (Dad) and dancing Zumba (Mom) with more zeal than most people half their age.
It is easier for someone who has been taught these lessons to integrate such practices into daily life. Yet everyone can learn new routines that will help them feel great. I applaud Mrs. Obama for her efforts to support families in establishing early childhood norms for lifelong health!
The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care Initiative recognizes exceptional efforts to promote healthy lifestyles
On May 9, 2012, the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) initiative will recognize states, communities, early childhood programs and networks for exceptional work promoting and implementing the goals of the nationwide call-to-action.
Let’s Move! Child Care focuses on five goals in early education and child care programs:
- Physical activity: Provide 1-2 hours of physical activity throughout the day, including outside play when possible.
- Screen time: No screen time for children under two years old. For children age two and older, strive to limit screen time to no more than 30 minutes per week during child care, and work with parents and caregivers to ensure children have no more than 1-2 hours of quality screen time per day, the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Food: Serve fruits or vegetables at every meal; eat meals family-style when possible, and no fried foods.
- Beverages: Provide access to water during meals and throughout the day, and do not serve sugary drinks. For children age two and older, serve low-fat percent or non-fat milk, and no more than one 4-6 ounce serving of 100 percent juice per day.
- Infant feeding: For mothers who want to continue breastfeeding, provide their milk to their infants and welcome them to breastfeed during the child care day; and support all new parents in their decisions about infant feeding.
“Child care providers play a critical role in the health and safety of our children,” said Linda Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-departmental Liaison for Early Childhood Development. “The First Lady’s Let’s Move! Child Care initiative and child care providers are working to make sure all of our children have the opportunity to develop healthy living habits that can last a lifetime.”