Helping your child have a healthy heart

No time like the present

And there's no need to wait until your baby is out of nappies to start active play. Children as young as one can start catching and throwing a light ball, for example. As well as helping your baby improve her strength and co-ordination, as a parent you'll get a lot of fun out of it.

An active child may become an active adult – so get involved and encourage a healthy, fun lifestyle for all the family.

Dirt is good

For children, getting messy is a natural part of learning, having fun and enjoying everything life throws at them. Whether they're riding their bikes through muddy puddles, climbing a tree or creating a work of art with finger paints, your little ones are developing important skills and finding out more about the world around them. And let's face it, dirt is fun too! After all, it's not much of a football match without a few grass stains or mud splatters.

The good news is that no matter how dirty your family's clothes get, a wash with Omo will ensure that they emerge white and bright again - so you and your children can go out and be as active as you like.

Make active living part of your children's daily routine:

• Get active early – it's never too early to get your children involved in sport.
• Going to the park is always an adventure. Kids can ride bikes, play football, or just run around and get lots of fresh air and exercise.
• Variety is important – encourage your children to try different sports and activities. This will help them develop a range of skills, and find one or two they really enjoy.
• Instead of giving toys as gifts, why not choose something that will encourage activity, such as a football, rugby ball, bicycle or tennis racket.
• Walk to the shops or school instead of taking the car, or use the stairs instead of the lift.
• Make exercise fun – a treasure hunt in your local park or mini-sports days at home are a way to get the whole family involved – and best of all they're free!

Healthy eating

What we choose to eat on a daily basis can have a direct effect on our ability to enjoy life to the full and this is particularly true for your children. The food you give your kids plays a major role in their health and development.

Great for your health & your taste buds

Have a bowl of salad with a meal, and use fruit or vegetables to add taste and variety to sandwiches. Kids seem to love chicken – make it a lean, grilled variety rather than crumbed and fried. You could even try experimenting with more exotic fruits such as kiwi or mango, instead of sweets.

Pulses include a range of beans, peas, and lentils, for example, baked beans, lentils (red, green, yellow, brown), black eyed peas, and chickpeas. These foods add bulk to a meal and are low in fat. The fibre found in pulses may also help to lower cholesterol.

And don't forget to ensure your kids get sufficient good fats too: Omega 3 and 6 combined with as little saturated fat as possible, via using oils and soft margarine in cooking and on bread.