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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 31 you and your family's lasting heart health and overall wellness. Roxanne Ferber is a mom, blogger and freelance writer living in the Hudson Valley. The Weaver family spends lots of time together in heart-healthy fun, like dancing music and getting out and about. Try walking together as a fami- ly after dinner one or two nights a week and get the heart pumping. If a weeknight walk through the neighborhood isn't doable, consider loading the family into the car on weekend mornings for walk on local trails, if available. Alicia Gambino of Saugerties is mother of two and fit- ness instructor at The Sport of Iron in Kingston, who gets her kids out and moving regularly. "My kids enjoy nature in all sea- sons," she said. "We hike together as a family at home in our woods and at our favorite local trails. Most recently, their adventurous nature has led us to explore new and more challenging adventures." When possible, parents should join their kids in heart-healthy sports. Grab a basketball and head to the local park to swish hoops together, show your kids that you've still got it and hit the tennis courts or kick around the soccer ball in the back yard. Not only will your kids get to share something they love with you, but also you will both ben- efit from the movement. Start healthy habits. Even little kids can get in on the benefits of taking care of their health. Put on upbeat dance music for a dance par- ty after dinner or when getting ready in the morning. Kerenza Weaver of Red Hook keeps her little ones active by calling dance parties regularly. "We dance around the house a lot," she said. "Nothing fancy, just fun, silly dancing, usually to Frozen (soundtrack)." Or, she said, they listen to The Laurie Berkner Band's "kindie rock" and act out songs like Goldfish or We Are the Dinosaurs. Pick up a pedometer or fitness tracker for each family member to see how much or how little move- ment each person gets during the day. Then, set a goal together to fit in more. Making physical activ- ity a family a routine and creating a simple, healthy meal plan are great ways to instill good habits for BONUS! Try these 10-minute, no-bake heart-healthy, graham cracker treats for Valentine's Day! Begin by gathering the follow - ing ingredients with your kids: - Graham Crackers - Peanut Butter - Strawberries (cored and thinly sliced) - Chocolate chips Next, break the graham crack - ers in half. Then spread peanut butter on top of each cracker. Next, place two strawberry slices on the cracker to create eyes. Finally, arrange chocolate chips on the graham cracker to create a smile. Ta-da! For more heart healthy Valen - tine's Day treats, visit hvparent. com/valentines-recipes