Track to Success
Keeping a Sound Diet
Healthy kids reach for the right things when they eat, which means less refined sugar and more fresh, colorful foods. “Just like adults, kids should be eating more fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy,” says Jampolis. “They should have less fast food; less high-fat, dry, salty snacks; less packaged baked-goods and less foods with added sugar.”
Listening to That Tummy
While eating, teach your kids to listen to their hunger pains. If they can learn to be in tune with their tummies, they won’t be tempted to overeat and overindulge. “A child's job is to eat when hungry, and stop when they are full,” says Swanson. “Parents decide what food is offered. If good choices are provided, and children eat with family and parents who model great eating, the rest will follow.”
Brushing Teeth
Most hygiene habits won’t necessarily cause health problems if they’re not followed, according to Swanson. But oral upkeep is absolutely essential. “Children need to brush with fluoride-containing toothpaste starting at 12 months of age,” Swanson says. “They need to brush twice, and get help until they are in about 2nd grade.” Make sure they’re scrubbing their teeth well until 7 or 8 years old, and they’ll follow the routine for life.
Getting Check-Ups
Children need to see the doctor regularly to make sure they’re developing healthy bodies and to get the appropriate immunizations. “Go yearly for kids in child care, as well school-age children,” says Swanson. “The recommendations for immunizations are updated yearly, so check in. Rules for ‘booster’ shots change sometimes, so many families will believe a child is up to date when, in reality, they are not. Further, we now recommend flu shots for every child over 6 months of age, annually. So, come October, each child should be updated.” Schedule a checkup at the beginning of school every year, and they’ll be good to go.
Limiting Screen Time
With everything from TVs to iPads, kids have access to screens nearly 24/7 these days. Healthy kids just don’t sit in front of them constantly. “Provide them with great interaction and undistracted attention from the very beginning of their life,” says Swanson. “Limit the time they spend in front of screens to less than two hours a day.”
Staying Active
Ditch the tech toys, and get going. Healthy kids avoid screens by staying active with extracurriculars, especially sports. “They’ll have higher levels of vigorous physical activity,” says Jampolis. “Healthy kids are generally more active, and will probably play on sports teams in and out of school, so there is more scheduled, fun physical activity built into their day.” Sign them up for T-ball or soccer. Keep them as active as you can.
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