Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams with HealthSaver: Raise Healthy Children Through Active...( NORWALK Conn. Sept. 18 /- Raising...),Health

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Raising healthy children involves active parenting, nutritious meals, regular exercise and proper medical care.

"Take special care to be sure your child exercises regularly," said Peggy Fleming, Olympic figure skating champion and HealthSaver spokesperson. "An active lifestyle ensures that your child maintains strong bones and prevents disease."

Good nutrition is also vital to your child's overall health. Studies show that children with healthy eating habits also have more energy and higher self-esteem.

A pediatrician's care is also essential to your child's development and the prevention and detection of disease. "Make the most of each visit," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of HealthSaver. "Ask questions about your child's health and inform the doctor of all appropriate health information."

As a healthy parent, you can teach your child the importance of health by example. When children learn to love exercise and nutritious food, they also learn that being healthy means being happy.

Encourage Kids to Stay Active

-- Exercise helps prevent or delay the development of disease, builds

healthy bones and controls weight. In order to stay healthy, the U.S.

Department of Health recommends children stay physically active for one

hour each day. Studies show, however, that only 36 percent of American

adolescents meet this physical requirement.

-- Studies also show that support from family tends to increase a child's

physical activity. Involve your child in physical activities you can

enjoy as a family. Plan a bike ride at your local park, a basketball

game at the gym or a swim in a nearby lake. The time spent together

will strengthen your bond and help keep each of you fit.

-- If a busy schedule leaves less time for structured exercise,

incorporate physical activity into your child's daily rou
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