The St. Lawrence County Health Initiative is recommending walking or biking to school to increase children’s physical activity.

Regular physical activity supports physical, mental and emotional health. In addition to disease prevention and weight control, it is shown to boost one’s ability to concentrate and perform, according to initiative staffers.

For students, physical activity and overall good health is linked to school success, including both improved behavior and academics.

Walking or biking to school, using safety gear and traveling safe routes, is one way to add physical activity into a daily routine.

Some schools hold a morning walk program where everyone walks for up to 15 minutes each morning. Other schools ensure that recess is part of the daily schedule.

Five to ten minute breaks throughout the day can also have a big impact. During the school day, walking classes or meetings and gentle stretches at one’s desk benefit both children and adults, staffers said.

For more health ideas visit gethealthyslc.org.