Regular exercise not only keeps our children healthy. It also reduces stress, helps them sleep better and prepares them for the academic and emotional challenges they encounter in school.

 All kids over the age of 2 should get at least 60 minutes of exercise almost every day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2005 dietary guidelines as well as the Department of Health and Human Services.

Locally, nearly 6,000 kids at more than 60 schools take part in “Fit for Bloomsday… Fit for Life,” a fitness program developed by Bloomsday volunteers with help from health and fitness instructors, coaches and parents in Spokane. The eight- to 10 week program was established 23 years ago and helps prepare kids to run or walk Bloomsday while teaching them about fitness, safety and nutrition.

January 26 is the deadline for schools to sign up. More information is available on the Bloomsday website: www.bloomsdayrun.org.

Does your child participate in Bloomsday, the Marmot March, America’s Kids’ Run and other spring fitness events? How do these events motivate your family to stay healthy? How do you get your children to exercise or move around for an hour every day?

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