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Staying Active In Winter Has Many Benefits

Story Published: Jan 11, 2013 at 1:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2013 at 1:42 PM EDT

If you are going to live in the north country, snow is a way of life.

According to registered dietician Cathy Moore of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, learning to take advantage of winter weather is a great way to ensure fitness for the entire family possibly for a lifetime.

She appeared on 7 News at Noon on Friday to discuss the benefits:

- Winter activities really mean engaging in outdoor recreation. Research has demonstrated multiple health benefits for people who participate in the natural environment (lower blood pressure, better mental health etc).

- Introduces children to activities that can lead to lifelong skills and hobbies (skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing). These are activities that are carried into adulthood.

- There really is much to do - this helps carry us through a long winter. Parents with small children can be active in inexpensive activities such as building snowmen, castles, forts or sculptures.  Go sledding. Make snow angels. Feed birds - make a pine cone feeder and help your children identify the birds. Catch snowflakes on black paper and look with a magnifying glass.

Parents do need to consider safety when participating in outdoor sports as well as dress children appropriately. 

Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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