- Up to 3.3 percent of children missed school due to illnesses or disabilities
- Children need a balanced diet to ensure they maintain an optimal health
- Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day
- Checkups are essential to keep children from getting sick
In 2021, more than one percent of children under five were in poor or fair health. Additionally, a slightly higher 1.8 percent of five to eleven-year-olds were reported as being in the same condition. In comparison, 3.3 percent missed at least 11 days from school due to an illness, disability, or injury.
As a parent, your number one priority is keeping your children safe and healthy. With this in mind, you must understand what you need to do to help them maintain their overall health and well-being. Here are some of the best ways to keep your kids healthy and happy.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is essential for good health, especially in childhood. Encourage your children to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products daily. Limit sugary snacks and drinks as much as possible.
You can also make mealtime fun by involving your children in meal preparation. This will help them learn about nutrition while developing their cooking skills. Keep healthy options like nuts, dried fruits, and whole-grain crackers on hand for snacking.
Here are some nutrient-rich food items you can give your children:
Protein
Incorporate nutrient-rich seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes such as beans or peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts/seeds into their diet for optimal health.
Fruits
Nourish your child’s taste buds with fresh, canned, frozen, or dried fruits. When seeking out canned fruit products, seek ones labeled as “light” or packaged in their natural juice to ensure a low sugar content. Remember that just 1/4 cup of dried fruit is considered one serving size.
Vegetables
Make sure to include an assortment of fresh, dried, frozen, or canned vegetables when planning your children’s meals. Opt for peas and beans and different hues of veggies each week. If you select canned or frozen products, look out for ones that are lower in sodium content!
Grains
Opt for whole grains like whole-wheat bread or pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, and brown/wild rice to make the most of their diet. These nutrient-packed ingredients can provide you with a wealth of health benefits!
Dairy
Inspire your kid to savor fat-free or low-fat dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Soy beverages with added vitamins are also considered a part of the dairy food group.
Get Regular Exercise
Physical activity is an integral part of any child’s life. It helps promote muscle development, strengthens bones and joints, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts energy levels. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans of the US Department of Health and Human Services, young people between 6 and 17 years old should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise every day. Not only is this beneficial for keeping children and adolescents healthy, but it also promotes fitness too!
Studies have also shown that physically active youth report higher levels of fitness and lower body fat than those who don’t exercise. They benefit from stronger bones and muscles, and their brain development is enhanced – resulting in improved cognition and a lessening of depression symptoms. Get your kids off the couch today for healthier bodies tomorrow.
Keep Up with Checkups
You must stay on top of regular checkups for your children so that any potential issues can be identified early on. Make sure you keep up with immunizations as recommended by your doctor; these are essential for protecting against serious illnesses like measles or whooping cough. Additionally, schedule regular physical exams so any problems can be addressed immediately.
Care for Oral Health
It would help if you also took care of their oral health. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are essential to prevent problems like cavities or gum disease. You should also schedule regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. If necessary, you should look for a reliable tooth replacement service if your children have missing teeth.
Taking Care of Mental Health
Finally, ensure that your children get the necessary mental health care. Talk to their doctor about signs of depression or anxiety and create a plan for managing these issues. You should also consider enrolling them in counseling services if needed. Taking proactive steps can help protect your child’s mental well-being.
Taking care of your child’s health requires effort but is worth every bit! As a parent, you strive to provide your little ones with the best care possible so they can reach their full potential physically, mentally, and emotionally! From maintaining a balanced diet to getting regular exercise – there are many simple ways you can ensure your kids stay healthy and strong! With these tips in mind, you will be well-prepared to help your children stay healthy.
