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1O-The Canadian Champion, Friday, Februar 7, 2003 /Being active year-round important for ail New Halton Region kit February 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2003 -- SoId Out SoId Out Milton Seniors' Acsivity Centre, 500 Childs Drive b Tickets are available as '.iM* RKf 905-875-0629 R E S50 R T S 4h% . À . r vel VOUA VACATION TRAVEL SPECIALISTS Services The Best ofAftigua & St Lucia MON Feb 17 &24 MON Mar 17 -Apr 7 7 Nts -Air &Hotel 7 Nts -Air &Hotel SUaNFeb 23 Motel Room 2 Bdrm Villa - Quad Occupacy 7Nts -Ail-inclusive NOW86was12g~Indudes FREE Golf Motel Room NOWl1019 was Sl079 N0W 128ws73 Nts 7 -ll-inusivI7 Nts Aiindusive l 7 * Ali-indusive Hotel R oom jClub Room IGauguinCotage Ni1 2 a 21 [IM3P9a $2359 NO'369a.,Saî29 IAMERICAN EXPRESS 958828 Pnrm ppmm bmudiho cpn yulslw , anlm Pnob g % dm "P ai awy subpaoc.Iul uid kxdo mn um Na olanin ~ atiilai0caanaca tam.aosids*iud nd = =4iady =u nc .lIaand has answer t By STEPHANIE THIESSEN The Champion It's cold out, and your natural tendency is to cocoon inside with the kids where it's warm. Why force them to play outside when that's the last thing they want to do? Unforsunasely, that attitude doesn't lead to Uic healthicat lifestyle. Being active year-round is important for everyone, young or old, says Uic Halton Region Health Dcparsment. Although most people decrease Uieir physical activity dur- ing the winter, it shouldn't lie thas way. The Halton Region Heai Departmnent, togeth- er wiUi Uic Central West Physical Acsivity Network, lias developed a WinterActive Cabin Fever Kit to help familles spice up Uieir winter days and take Uic dreariness out of winter activities. "Ini research, we've found Uiat people become less active in winter. One reason is Uiat it's cold. But Uic oUier is that people aren't aware of what's out there (to do)," said Monica Marquis, healUi promoter for Uic Region's Heart Heai and Cancer Prevention Program. Kits full of info The kits include information for parents on family events happening around Milton, as weil as information on Halton's conser- vation areas and recreasion facilities. There are alan ideas for many creative outdoor gamtes and activities as having fun doesn't need to cost a Uiing, Ms Marquis said. According to Uic Halton Region HealUi Departrnent, childrcn and youUi necd as least 60 minutes of moderate activity each day, plus 30 mrinutes of vigorous activity. This can lie built up Uiroughout Uic day in five to 10-minute increments. Many children aren't as active as Uiey should be hecause Uiey watch a lot of TV, spend a lot of time playing vidco games and surf Uic Intemnet, Ms Marquis said. The problem is increased by Uic fact Uiat students aren't required to take physical education classes in school. But it's flot just kids who need to lic active. "Adults need so lie active too," Ms Marquis said, adding that 30 minutes to one hour of physical activisy is recom- mended. "Why nos lie active sogeUier? This kit is designed to give people lots of ways to do Uiat." I5's flot always easy to ges Uic kids out- side. But Ms Marquis said it's important. Even if activities aren's planned for Uiem, simply being ousside will encourage chul- dren to get Uic exereise Uiey nced. "The beat way to get them ousside is to keep, them, warm. Dress them in layers. The outer layer should be waterproof. As soon as Uiey're out moving amound, tliey quick- ly forges it's cold. Just as long as they stay active," Ms Marquis said. One of Uic best things parents can do for their kids is 10 lead by example. 'The mom's physical activity level is a cabin fever "Nt ""W becoiSa hm. actve in Wb*cW Q. 0" "mm lu tbtRI Cs~ol u l t oter is tMat peopkear.ut awmue of<*hat's Mtthere good indication of how the kids will be," Ms Marquis said. Residents of Halton Region are fortunate to live in an area with so many conserva- tion areas, Ms Marquis said. There are il Conservasion Halton parks. Susan O'Neil, marketing co-ordinator for Conservation Halton, said residents are normally appreciasive of these parks. "Parka here are regarded differently from conservation areas in other regions. Our residents recognize their value," Ms O'NeiI said. Stili, it's easy to forges their spiendour when they're night in residents' backyards. "There is the tendency to take themn for granted, but people recognize tic resources we have," Ms O'Neil said. Winter activities abound in Halton's con- servation areas. Ski buifs flock to the groomed cross- country tr-ails yearly at Crawford Lake, Mounssberg, Rattlesnake Point and Hilton Falls. Those who prefer alpine skiing or snow boarding visit Kelso/Glen Eden, where there are 12 siopes for ail skill 1ev- els. Skating facilities, as well as horse- drawn sleigh rides are available at Mountsberg Conservation Area. And, of course, there's winter hiking at ail Uic con- servation parks. Snowshoeing fun, inexpensive If your children have neyer tried snow- shoeing, why flot crease some memories this wintcr? At Crawford Lake, you can embark upon a unique snowshoe adven- sure. Rent some snowshoes for $10 per pair and hit the trails. There are many special events happen- ing this winter at Halton's conservation areas. This Sunday, Crawford Lake will hold its Snowflakes and Snowsnakes event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This day will feature legends in thc Ionghouse, marshmailow roasss, native gaines and crafi making. The coat is $5 per person and children aged under 4 years are admitted free. Sweetwater season as Crawford Lake will begin February 22 and mun until April 13 on weekends and holidays, and daily duning the March Break. From 10 am. to 4 p.m., you can experience native style maple demnonstrations in Uic reconstructed lroquoian Village. On Mareh 16, a special Sweetwater Day celebration as Crawford Lake from 10 am. to 4 p.m. will feature e* uS PLENTY on page 13