Raising healthy kids in today’s society can be a bit of a challenge. What, with all the junk food and fast food we have today it’s no wonder many kids are dealing with the results of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Now, throw in the fact that there are more electronic devises available that keep kids perched in front of some sort of screen rather than being outside getting playtime exercise, and you’ve got an even bigger mountain to conquer. Here are 7 Big-Picture tips to raising healthy kids.
1. Probably more important than any other thing is to set a good example for your kids. When you have healthy lifestyle habits your kids will just assume that that’s the norm and follow suit. Of course, the older they get they’ll realize that there’s such a thing as an unhealthy lifestyle, but by that time, most of their good habits will already be instilled in them.
2. The saying “You are what you eat” is very true. What we put into our bodies is reflected on both the inside and outside. That’s why it’s extremely important to provide your kids with vitamin and nutrient-rich foods. Don’t keep your home stock with junk food or lots of processed foods. When food goes through the processing stages many (and sometimes all) of the goodness that was once in the food item is no longer there. The fresher the better is a good motto to live by.
3. It’s also important to make sure your kids get enough exercise. This could mean a few laps around the pool or a walk along the beach in the summer time all the way to a nice hike through the woods or taking a bike ride during the fall. Limiting the amount of time your child sits in front of a computer screen or wanders around the house with a telephone in her hand will go a long ways in nudging them to get outdoors and do something that involves using their bodies for more than just a place to put food.
4. Drinking water is very important to good health. The human body is seventy percent water. When this water reserve is depleted, dehydration sets in. This can have devastating consequences on the body’s organs and its ability to function. Keeping your kids well hydrated is one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy.
5. Make sure your children have regular checkups with their physician. With regular checkups your child’s healthcare provide will have some sort of a base line as to your child’s health. When they see irregularities or notable fluctuations in that line this is a red flag that signals something may be wrong.
6. Don’t neglect their oral hygiene. Believe it or not, there are lots of medical conditions that can be attributed to poor oral care. Heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and a host of other medical conditions have been linked to poor oral hygiene.
7. Keep the laughter alive. Laughter has not been scientifically proven to play a role in good health. But, more and more studies are being conducted to find the link. Why are scientists so certain there’s a link? Because study after study of how laughter affects the body continually come back positive. Laughter is thought to promote better blood circulation, relieve stress, kick in the body’s endorphins and a host of other health benefits.
Maryellen Ward blogs about how to choose the masters in healthcare degree for you.
