"Children are becoming heavier because they snack too much and don't getenough exercise," she says. "I tell parents to limit television and videogames to one hour of the day even in the winter, when they might need to getmore creative to keep their kids active."

How about a trip to the local YMCA or a nearby gym? "The great thing aboutthose facilities is that they provide a range of activities, classes andequipment that everyone in the family can enjoy," Dr Adams observes.

To catch some sunshine bundle everyone up and, head for the nearest park,take a hike or a bike ride, or stay home and make a family day of rakingleaves.

If your children like team sports, winter's a great time to check out thecommunity's offerings of basketball, volleyball, soccer and karate clubs.Any of these sports can be enjoyed all year round, indoors or out. Ifthere's an indoor tennis club nearby, take advantage of that.

For families with teens who would object to spending so much time with thefamily, Lynn White, MD, director of the St Louis Children's HospitalAdolescent Center, recommends building exercise into daily activities."Remind them to take the stairs instead of elevators, and encourage them tostay active with their friends," she advises.

Just as children learn exercise habits from their parents, they also followtheir parents' eating behaviours. "Gaining extra weight in the winter isunnecessary and can be avoided in adults and children alike," says MarylinTanner, St Louis Children's Hospital dietitian.

Tanner encourages families to rethink wintertime social events and holidayparties as times for activities and not just occasions to eat. "Then everygathering of friends and family won't be an excuse to overeat," she says.Instead, plan a friendly tag football game, a walk around the neighbourhood,or even play indoor games.

"If you feed them well before the party and keep them busy with funactivities at the party, children won't spend the entire time snacking," sheadds.

Even days in front of the television can be filled with healthful snacks andexercise breaks. "During commercial breaks and at half-times, families canturn down the television and dance around the house to their favouritemusic," Tanner says. "Of course, you feel more like doing that when youaren't weighed down by fatty snacks. Lighten up with baked chips, low-fatdips, fruits and vegetables."

-- www.oxygen.com