Make Some Changes on Child Health Day
by Theresa Carpine10/1/2009 11:02:31 AM
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A Presidential Proclamation designates Child Health Day as the first Monday of October in the United States. While a child’s health is a primary concern for parents each and every day, take some time to reflect on how you’re helping your child grow into a healthy adult on October 5th this year.
Apples and peanut butter is a quick, healthy snack for kids.What’s In Your Pantry?
Take an inventory of the food on your shelves and in your refrigerator. Read the list of Ingredients and the Nutrition Facts on packaged products. What are you putting into your children’s bodies? If it’s a lot of processed food with artificial flavors, you could be contributing to the development of dietary conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease later in life.
Changing your family’s shopping and eating habits can take time, but you and your kids will be better off for it.
Keep the fridge stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables as much as possible. For salty snacks, go to crackers with peanut butter or low-fat cheese before buying a bag of potato chips. Make your own all-juice and fruit popsicles for a frozen treat without all the fat and sugar of ice cream.
Do You Make the Most of Playtime and Downtime?
Take a quick family jog for some exercise. How much exercise do your kids get each day? If they’re involved in afterschool or weekend athletic activities, they’re probably doing well. If their primary afterschool activity involves a video game system, you should motivate them to become more active.
One of the best motivations is probably time spent with you, the parent, so suggest an after-dinner walk to the schoolyard to shoot some hoops, play a game of hopscotch, or just spend some time running around.
Since outside activity isn’t always convenient during the winter months, look into joining a nearby Whatcom County YMCA or make regular trips to the Arne Hanna Aquatics Center so kids can get out their energy while staying warm inside.
If playtime is active, then bedtime needs to be strictly maintained. School-age children should get at least 10 hour of sleeps each night to stay healthy; teens should get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep as well. Having a regular evening routine (dinner, bath, story, bed) and a consistent schedule (lights out at 8:30) will help make sure they get the most out of a whole night’s sleep.
Are You a Positive Role Model of Healthy Living for Your Children?
Parents are responsible for providing their kids with opportunities for wellness. They also serve as the primary example of adulthood.
If your child witnesses your own habits of smoking, inactivity, or poor dietary choices, you might be starting them on an unhealthy path in life. Make an effort on Child Health Day to change these habits, not only for your kids’ sake, but your own personal health as well.
How will your family celebrate Child Health Day?