Raising a healthy family doesn't only include offering healthy snacks and meals. A healthy family combines fitness, diet, communication and other practices to create a balance of well-being and happiness. Your everyday habits are what ultimately shape and form those of your children, so being a good example of healthy living to your children can help perpetuate better health for your entire family. Look for ways to raise a family that take your family's health, happiness and well-being into consideration. Exercise Together The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of activity each day. Exercise as a family by doing activities that get you moving, such as hiking, biking or rock climbing. Turn off the Television Unfortunately, many families spend most of their together time huddled around the television. KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation, notes that consistently watching more than four hours of television increases the likelihood that a child will become overweight. Set limits and turn the TV off throughout the day so it isn't a constant fixture. Learn About Food Instead of cooking a healthy meal and battling with your kids to eat it, allow them to help you in the kitchen. Talk about the foods and why they are good for your body. Your child may be more apt to try something new if he understands the benefit. Get Outside Going outside can alert your family to new ways of staying active and being less sedentary. Find things to do outside, such as playing a game of driveway basketball, gardening or going for a walk around your community. It will help to get both you and your kids moving for a healthier lifestyle. Snack Healthy Clean out your cupboards and refrigerator to get rid of processed and sugary foods. Replace them with healthier snack options: whole wheat crackers, single serving cheese, pre-cut vegetables and dip, and easy-to-eat fruit. Making the snacks available can be a small and easy step to healthier eating for your family. Eat Together Eating together at the dinner table not only brings you closer together, a study published in a 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that regular family meals were associated with better food choices and habits later in life. It also showed an increase in healthier food choices and decrease in soda intake when family meals were a regular occurrence. Wear Sunscreen The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that the use of sunscreen is an important element of a sun protection regimen. Make applying sunscreen a daily family habit. Brown Bag It School lunches are notoriously unhealthy, filled with breaded, fried and fatty foods. Send your child to school with a brown-bag lunch from home with healthier fare such as whole wheat bread, yogurt and lean meats and cheeses. While you're at it, make one for yourself to avoid fast food come lunchtime. Communicate No family is complete without adequate communication. As a parent, listen for nonverbal communication, ask your children's thoughts, and make a point to set aside regular time for talks, says FamilyEducation.com. Hold a family council once a month to make sure everyone's needs are taken care of. Have Fun Become a catalyst for family health by laughing and having fun with your family. Set a precedent of a loving and safe environment by leaving the stresses of daily life outside your home. Make it a sanctuary where your family can feel safe, accepted and protected within the walls. Source: livestrong.com