Tommy’s Healthy Lifestyle Choices Pictures and story by Theresa Mayer

Tommy suggests that you take good care of your body because it has to last you a lifetime. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can harm your body, so choose to keep them out of your life. You can choose what you do with your life and your body.

There are so many wonderful things that you can choose to do instead of using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. Here are some healthy activities that Tommy likes to do.

Get physically active! Tommy likes to play… Basketball,

Tennis,

Swimming, and

Playing with his big orange ball.

Tommy also likes to go for walks and runs. He especially likes to fetch sticks. Some day he wants to try soccer, baseball and skiing.

Reading books can be exciting too! Tommy loves to curl up with a good book.

If reading is difficult for you, listen to a book on tape. They are great! The library has lots of them. If you like to read, volunteer to read to senior citizens who may have difficulty with their vision - - OR read to younger children who can't read yet.

Get involved with music! Tommy likes playing guitar and trumpet. You could join your school band or orchestra, or you could join a children's choir. Your church, or community center may also have a band or choir. It’s fun to sing!

If you like to listen to music, you can check lots of different kinds of music out of the library.

If you like to act, join a children’s theater group or make up plays with your friends. Tommy likes putting on a costume to help him get into character when he is acting.

Getting involved with art is a great way to express yourself! Tommy loves to paint. Sometimes he also draws or makes things with clay.

Developing hobbies helps your mind grow, and it’s fun! Tommy spends hours building with his Legos.

Tommy also has several collections. Here he is playing with his Magic Card collection. He also collects quarters and marbles.

Gardening can be fun year round. In the warm weather, Tommy works in his flower gardens outside.

And in the winter he puts his plants in pots and keeps them in his house.

Tommy and his friends like playing board games and cards.

Make a pet a part of your life. Tommy knows lots of cats and dogs that would like a home. If you have a dog, take him for walk. It is good exercise for you and your dog. If you don't have a dog, ask your neighbors if you can walk their dog or go for a walk with a friend. And he knows a hamster too!!

Tommy joined his church’s youth group. Sometimes they do fun activities like going bowling. Other times they do things like raking leaves for some of the older people in his church.

Watch a good movie. Tommy likes to watch movies with his family. They often make a bowl of popcorn and share it while they watch the movie.

Remember, how you live your life is up to you. There are lots of healthy activities to choose from! So choose wisely!

Have a healthy life!