Banner Health: Biking for health and happiness

MESA, AZ - If you are looking for a fun and easy way to get your family moving, you might try the activity that I’ve been enjoying with my family for years: biking.

Myself, my husband and four kids all have bikes, and we’ve been able to turn this everyday activity into something special for our family. Once a month, we bike to a special destination like one of our favorite restaurants. It’s usually only about a mile away, but it’s a good way to get everyone moving.

We always observe the following safety tips:

• Wear a helmet
• Try to avoid biking in the dark
• Stay in the neighborhood if you are biking after sundown
• Stay close to your kids as they bike
• Learn all hand signals and traffic rules

Cardon Children’s Medical Center has lots of great tips on bike safety .

Biking can be a great way to have fun as a family while also reaping the physical benefits. Cycling can tone your upper and lower body, build up endurance and improve lung and heart function.

Another great thing about bicycling is that nearly anyone can do it. There are hand-propelled bikes available for people who can’t cycle with their legs. Tandem bikes are a fun way to bike as a couple. Recumbent or reclining bicycles are helpful for people who feel more comfortable leaning back. If your children are too young to bike by themselves, there are a slew of attachments or enhanced bicycles that are child-friendly. The idea is to get your children used to the experience of biking so they will enjoy it when they get older.

To learn more about Cardon Children’s Medical Center, visit us at www.bannerhealth.com/cardonchildrens or www.facebook.com/cardonchildrens .