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3 These pediatricians are learning to embody excellence in specialized children's care and service. "This program helps the Children's Hospital of San Antonio put children first by bringing in new doctors and developing training to further pediatric medicine in the community and beyond," says Program Director Michelle Barajaz, MD."Eleven pediatricians have joined our team and are excited to grow as children's medical professionals in San Antonio." IMPORTANT TO FAMILIES Patients' families can expect more individualized involvement in decisions about their children's care and will notice extra attention from faculty and residents making bedside rounds together. Checking on patients is an integral part of the teaching process. "Many residents stay in the communities where they train," Dr. Barajaz says. "The Children's Hospital of San Antonio wants its graduates to be outstanding doctors who advance the field of pediatrics, advocate for children, and make an impact in San Antonio and beyond." According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are more likely to adopt behaviors at a very young age, so it's important to provide positive physical fitness opportunities early on. Children may not find rigid concepts like "working out" appealing, but there are several trends in youth fitness that give them a great workout disguised as play time. CROSSFIT Children can enjoy a specialized CrossFit program as much as adults can. The American Academy of Pediatrics now says light weightlifting is safe for children eight years old and older, as long as they're not pushing themselves too hard. Programs should focus on repetitions and having fun with multiple exercise disciplines instead of setting personal lifting records. TRIATHLON If your child loves to swim, ride bikes, and run, let him or her try all three at once. Youth triathlons are increasingly popular, as are aquathlons, or run-swim biathlons. Remember to keep the focus on fun rather than competition, especially for younger children. OBSTACLE RACES For many young boys and girls, there's nothing as fun as playing in the mud and dirt. Instead of trying to discourage this behavior, use it to your advantage and to theirs. Professionally supervised youth obstacle course races combine great full-body exercise with fun elements like crawling through mud pits, climbing cargo nets, and scaling walls. Make it fun for the whole family by transforming the backyard into a miniature obstacle course. KEEP IT FUN To find out which activities your children might be interested in, just ask them. Engage in physical activity as a family, and sign your children up for programs with their friends so they have someone to enjoy the experience with. If your child doesn't enjoy it, it's important not to force him or her to continue. Instead, find another physical activity he or she likes better. SAFETY FIRST When being active, whether it's indoor or outdoor fun, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and make sure your pediatrician supports the physical activity. To find a physician, call 1.877.250.DOCS. For information about keeping your children injury free while they're active, visit chofsa.org/sports. WHEN F-U-N MEETS F-I-T Get your children involved in physical activities that seem more like play than exercise. TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PEDIATRICIANS This summer, we welcome a new generation of pediatricians who start their medical careers in the Children's Hospital of San Antonio's inaugural Baylor College of Medicine Pediatric Residency Program. Michelle Barajaz, MD Children's Hospital of San Antonio • chofsa.org