Healthy eating and regular exercise are important for everyone — humans and animals alike. That’s why the Indianapolis Zoo is proud to partner with the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and WFYI Public Media for the 5-2-1-0 Countdown to Health.
This fun and engaging wellness initiative focuses on families by offering them tips and tools, monthly prize drawings and other motivation to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. With an emphasis on helping parents and children establish good habits in nutrition and fitness — key components for a lifetime of good health — the free program highlights four easy-to-remember steps that participants can incorporate into their daily routines.
The tips are as simple as 5-2-1-0: Eat five or more fruits and/or vegetables daily by including one serving at every meal and snack; limit recreational screen time to two hours or less each day, and make the most of that time with interactive media to keep the brain active; enjoy one hour or more of daily exercise by taking part in fun physical activities like swimming, playing ball, dancing and more; and drink zero sugary beverages, opting instead for water and low-fat milk.
Participants who register online can find strategies for incorporating these healthy habits into their day-to-day lives as well as a helpful form to track their progress. They will also be entered into monthly drawings for special Zoo prize packs and other exclusive opportunities, including the grand prize of a behind-the-scenes tour at the Zoo.
For additional inspiration, users can learn more about staying active and eating healthy from one of the Zoo’s newest residents. Lucy is a 30-year-old female orangutan who was clinically obese before she arrived at the Indianapolis Zoo. Through a balanced diet and frequent exercise, Lucy is now at a healthy weight after losing nearly 100 pounds.
In fact, zookeepers and animal nutritionists help maintain the overall good health and wellness of all the Zoo’s animals by providing a healthy diet and opportunities for daily exercise, which set a positive example for the human participants in the 5-2-1-0 Countdown to Health.
For more information about the 5-2-1-0 Countdown to Health, visit www.wfyi.org/5210 .
