Because the weight of the Cayman Islands’ children has continued to climb, the message is, “Run, walk, jump, and dance-do whatever it takes to get the whole family moving.”

It is not just here. According to the Mayo Clinic, the rate of obesity in the U.S. has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents, and it has more than tripled for children ages 6 to 11.  These suggestions will help.

Be a good example. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Sign up for a class.

Instead of always relying on the car, take walks with the kids, and ride bikes.

Take the kids to the park or beach.

Celebrate birthdays at parks, beaches, sports centres and other active places.

On weekends and during vacations, introduce kids to fun activities. Go swimming, hiking, ride bikes, jump rope, play tag, soccer, cricket, basketball or netball, catch, any activity that involves motion.

If it’s raining outside, organise a treasure hunt in the house, one that involves lots of running up and down stairs.

Be sure to keep an open mind if your daughter wants to play rugby and your son prefers dance.

Children should do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and 60 minutes if they want to lose weight.

Regular exercise can help improve the quality of your children’s lives now and later on. It can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes.