Valentine’s Day is undeniably all about love and sweethearts. It’s also defined by the heartfelt gifts of chocolates, sweets and (candy) hearts so plentiful this time of year.

Not that we need to do away with all of these sweet gifts, but this holiday could mean so much more in terms of a happy, healthy heart. How about if you, your kids and your sweetheart all get up and dance.  That’s right…dance!

There are several reasons why you and your family should put your best foot forward and  start dancing.

• It’s fun. Regardless of age, who doesn’t like putting on some music and just letting loose? The good news is that regular physical activity throughout the day  improves sleep, reduces stress and makes people feel better about themselves.  For some added fun, grab your video camera and capture the moment(s). No rules, just fun.
• It’s exercise. We’re in the middle of a nationwide childhood (and adult) obesity epidemic. The beauty of dancing is that it’s not work, it doesn’t require committing to regular trips to the gym, and it doesn’t cost a thing to break a sweat. First Lady Michelle Obama’s national Let’s Move! Campaign actively promotes the need for kids to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous active play every day. When they (and you) simply get moving (or dancing!), it all adds up to building and keeping healthy bones, muscles and joints and achieving a healthy body weight.
• It’s family time. Whether you opt for a daddy-daughter dance, a dance contest, or a more freestyle approach to your family’s dancing, it all adds up to the potential for quality family time. With the hectic pace of parenthood and often over-scheduled childhood, quality time with the family is invaluable, whether it’s  at the dinner table, during conversations with your child in the car, and when sharing fun family activities like dancing together.

As many of you may already know, in addition to being a pediatrician, I also own an educational childcare center – Primrose School of Legacy – located in West Omaha. As one of over 200 franchised centers across the country, I am particularly proud that from Feb. 1 through March 19, all your heart-felt family dancing can be for a very worthy cause! Primrose Schools is hosting the 2^nd Annual National Family Dance-off Contest. This fun family-oriented dance-contest is open to all families and benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Upload a 30-second video of your family’s most creative, unique or amusing dance moves at www.FamilyDanceoff.com. Then make sure that you and everyone you know votes each day for your favorite Omaha video. You could be one of 14 weekly contest winners of a flip video camera and up to $5000, while also winning Children’s Hospital and Medical Center a chance to receive a $15,000, $20,000, or even $30,000 donation from Primrose Schools!

I want to see Omaha families and children getting healthy by eating healthier, getting up and moving. And through March 19^th, I hope you all will be dancing to win, not only for yourselves, but for Omaha’s Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. I guarantee you it will do your body, your family, and your heart some good!