Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services | Gibson gets it! | Fall/Winter 2017

GibsonHospital.org 10 Board games, movie nights and vacations—lots of things are better as a family. And that includes getting and staying healthy. So, moms and dads, get the whole family involved in moving more and eating right. If that sounds great in theory, but you’re not sure how to make better health a family affair, here’s a five-step plan: ➊ Make family time active time. Bike to the library together or explore a nearby park. Encourage everybody to train for a charity walk or run. Is somebody’s birthday coming up? Celebrate with something active—a pool party, volleyball game or hike. And ask your kids for ideas on ways to be active as a family. Then follow through with some of their favorite picks. ➋ Use screens with care. Every moment sitting is a moment nobody’s moving. Create a media use plan for each child that balances screen time with sleep, exercise and time away from media. For kids age 2 to 5, limit screen time to one hour a day. For kids under age 2, use screens sparingly—for high- quality content or video chatting with family—and only while interacting with your child. ➌ Keep a family activity log. Track everyone’s progress and post the results on your fridge. For a sample log, go to morehealth.org/parenttips . The Stimsons, of Milford, are now regulars at Elite Performance of Cissna Park, located at Creekside Prairie. Initially seeking a place for her daughters, Caitlyn and Melissa, to exercise, Carrie Stimson soon found she wanted to be part of the fun and get fit herself. Working with Gibson Elite Performance personal trainer Cody Bohlen, CSCS, NSCA- CPT, SASTM, the mom and daughter trio make the time to exercise together to meet their individual goals. Husband and father Buck Stimson has also been motivated to get moving. Committed to 5 a.m. workouts with the other Elite morning warriors, he is taking charge to make some healthy changes. “I knew we needed to get in better shape. The girls are playing basketball, so I thought this was a good idea. I think by working out together, we push ourselves a little more to work harder.” CARRIE’S GOAL: Get more toned. We’re in this together A family plan for better health