Celebrated on every second Saturday in June, Family Health and Fitness Day promote the health benefits provided by the local parks and recreation department to communities. According to a survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, 83% of adults agree that visiting their local parks during this pandemic is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Approximately 68% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Zers agree that parks and open spaces are essential for physical activity that improves their overall health.
Physical activity has immediate and long term benefits for health and well-being. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing several diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, certain types of cancers, and type 2 diabetes. It also helps you to manage your weight better and keep your blood pressure in check. On Family Health and Fitness Day, local recreation agencies encourage families to get active by participating in family events organized at local parks and recreation centers, or through virtual programs.
Due to Covid-19, many fitness activities may be tailored to maintain physical distancing while engaging in events like:
- Bike rides
- Jogging
- Walking
- Sidewalk chalk art contest
- Healthy Cooking classes
- Health fair
- Family fun run
Exercise has been found to help with relieving depression as it blocks negative thoughts and help manage daily worries and anxieties. The chemical levels in your brain (serotonin, endorphins, and stress hormones) also experience change as a result of exercise. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults aged 18–64 to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, throughout the week. If you are not involved in any kind of physical activity, now would be a great time to start.
Family Health and Fitness Day I is a great time for families to come together and educate their kids about the importance of physical activity. Kids will be more interested and learn better when their entire family is involved, as it makes the experience much more fun.
