Empower kids early on for a healthy future
Habits developed during childhood often shape lifelong health outcomes. Encouraging healthy habits from an early age can significantly improve children’s quality of life as they grow older.
Every Kid Healthy Week, observed annually during the last full week of April, serves as an initiative to empower kids to start healthy habits early in life.
“Kids are growing so much in these years, and we want them to build strong bones, strong muscles and to feel good about their bodies,” said Lindsay Stevenson, MD.
The following are habits for families to implement at home:
• Get moving – Physical activity not only benefits physical health, but also boosts energy, self-confidence, relaxation and academic performance. Children aged six to 17, should aim for at least 60 minutes of activity daily. Family activities, like bike rides or dance parties, can make exercise enjoyable.
• Load up on fruits and vegetables – Introducing children to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables early on, sets a healthy eating routine for life. Involving children in meal preparation and emphasizing the benefits of nutritious foods, such as strong bones and lower disease risk, fosters healthy eating habits.
• Swap out sugary drinks – Limiting sugary drinks, like soda and sports drinks, reduces calorie intake, without sacrificing essential nutrients. Encouraging water consumption, and offering alternatives, like low-fat milk or sparkling water, promotes healthier hydration choices.
• Practice mindfulness – Teaching mindfulness to children helps them manage daily challenges and emotions effectively. Breathing exercises and mindfulness practices, promote emotional well-being and resilience.
• Limit screen time – Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on children’s health. Setting boundaries on screen use, creating screen-free zones and engaging in non-screen activities as a family, promote balanced screen habits. Screen time should be limited to less than two hours, per day.
• Attend well-child checkups – Regular visits to a primary care provider (PCP) are vital for monitoring growth, screening for health conditions and receiving necessary vaccinations. Well-child checkups provide an opportunity for PCPs to offer guidance on healthy habit formation.
“These appointments allow us to monitor how a child is growing and then if any concerns pop up, we can address it right away,” said Stevenson. “It’s really important to monitor their overall health, their development and make sure they’re on a good course, for the rest of their life.”
Encouraging children to make healthy choices, and providing them with the resources and support they need, can set them up for a healthy, long and fulfilling life. Talk to a child’s PCP, for more information about healthy changes the family can make at home.
