Exercise

Keep moving. Don't sit still. Exercise keeps the mind as well as the body fit and trim. Walking, playing, hiking or hopscotch will do wonders for your wellness. Here are some ideas about exercise and health:

US Dept of Health and Human Services - Guidelines
The Federal Government has issued its first-ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. They describe the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/

Healthy Family Home
A community partnership with the YMCA

Recreational Opportunities
Where can you go with your children to get exercise? The Marlborough area has a number of opportunities for families:

Marlborough Recreation Department
The recreation department has many, many programs for children and adults, most at little or no cost. There are programs underway now and Spring Programs being planned. Go to the Marlborough Recreation Department homepage for upcoming classes and events.

New England Sports Center
Located on Donald Lynch Drive, the Sports Center offers many programs. During the winter months, public ice time is available for $3.00 per child/ $5.00 per adult for 3 hour sessions. They even have ice skates to rent.

Massachusetts Trails
Here, you'll find an extensive list of MA walking, hiking, skiing, biking trails open to the public year-round.

Wayside Racquet and Swim Club
Wayside Racquet & Swim Club, the area's most unique recreational facility, provides the surrounding communities with the finest in facilities and programming. Established in 1979, Wayside's philosophy has been to maintain a high level of service to our members by providing an exceptional facility and comprehensive programming designed for the diversified interests of our members. Wayside maintains its unique character by offering a wide variety of sport specific memberships which enable our members to select the program best suited to attain their individual goals.Located at 80 Broadmeadow Road in Marlborough.

Children and Exercise

Hitting the Blacktop Can Help Increase School Performance
A New York Times article cites a recent study that concludes recess can help students learn better in the classroom. The study of 11,000 children concludes that those who have 15 minutes or more of recess behave better in school than those who have only a brief recess or none at all. An ASCD blog post highlights this study, and asks readers whether, in light of this research, recess should be a school-day privilege or a priority.

Stay Healthy
Find out how to take care of your body, eat healthy, and stay fit!

Cómo ser un niño sano (Be a Fit Kid)
This article, written in both English and Spanish, gives advice on diet and exercise written in kid-friendly terms.