June 10, 2025

By Sarah Hanson, Bē Health and Well-Being® Navigator

The weather is starting to warm up. ☀️ Summer break is on the horizon. So what are your plans? I have a suggestion for families: eat better and move more!

Many kids may fall into the trap of sitting around the house on their electronics and eating foods that really don’t support their bodies’ positive growth. Encouraging your kids to practice healthy habits at a young age is something they may carry with them throughout their lifetime.

Your body is not meant to sit all day. It’s meant to move.

That being said, as a mother of two, I know it’s not always easy. But we have a FUN (Fitness Understanding Nutrition) idea that can help get your kids moving more while learning some healthy habits. It’s our Bē Health Summer Camp FUN.

Bē Health will offer this very unique, fun and engaging camp experience on June 16-20 and July 21-25. The aim of our daily activities is to help children, ages 5-12, gain a better understanding of health and well-being through group Fitness, Mindfulness and Nutritional FUN. Children will participate in Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness activities, themed games, trail walks and a nutritional session led by our
registered dietitian to prepare a healthy afternoon snack. 🍎

The camp is staffed by dietitians, certified fitness trainers and health educators. The cost is only $35 per day, per child with drop off starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.

Register for this summer’s camps on the Bē Health app. If you have any questions or need assistance signing up, email me at hansons@sjchs.org or call 912-675-0524.

Simple Tips and Tricks

Here are a few simple tips/tricks to help get your kids off the electronics and out the door, moving more, and eating healthier. Don’t overcomplicate it. Throughout your day, try to add in movement when you think about it and enjoy some whole fruits and veggies as snack options to nourish your body.

1. GROUP / FAMILY ACTIVITIES

It’s oftentimes easier and more inviting for everyone to do activities as a group, especially when you’re just starting out. I suggest instead of sitting around the television after dinner, take a family walk or even play a family game. Maybe add in a few ‘fitness snacks’ throughout the day as well, such as 10 jumping jacks or 15 squats! Schedule time, actually put it on a calendar, for activities that move your body. When it’s written down studies show you’re much more likely to actually do it!

2. GET ACTIVE OUTSIDE

Many kids love their electronics, including, I admit, my own, but it’s important to set time limits and encourage your children to get up, get out and move. You’d be amazed at what kids can come up with for play when devices are not an option. This is another area we can be a role model for our kids, get off of our screens and get outside. I also encourage enrolling your kids in extracurricular activities when it works for your family.

3. INCREASE THEIR CHORES

It may not be a popular suggestion with your kids, but getting the kids involved with chores not only gets them moving but teaches them responsibility. I encourage parents to also hold their children accountable and remember, “You’re in charge.”

4. GET THEM INVOLVED WITH MEALS

In addition to having them help prepare meals and snacks, I suggest parents be the taste setter and try new foods. You may have to have a backup plan, but encourage your kids to try at least a few bites of something new. And, whenever possible ditch electronics for dinner and sit down together as a family to eat. Research shows that when we watch electronics while we eat we can lose sight of satiety signals and in turn may overeat. And, I’m sure I don’t have to mention all the benefits of good ole’ fashion family conversations!

5. FIND WAYS TO MOTIVATE THEM

Some kids may need motivation, especially if exercising or eating healthier is new to them. If they need that motivation to get started, there’s nothing wrong with that. I know many adults that need motivation; it’s no different with our kids. Find what works for you and your family and make it happen.

Remember, if you have any questions about the Bē Health program available to Heartwood residents or the app, always feel free to reach out to me at hansons@sjchs.org or call 912-675-0524.