Parents are always on the lookout for ways to keep their kids healthy. Children’s health depends on several factors, such as their diet, hydration, sleep habits, hygiene and physical activity. Kids can have a hard time in keeping themselves on the track with all of these parameters, so parents need to pitch in and help them. Here are 12 useful tips to take care of your child’s health.
With the immune system under constant attack, children are prone to health problems such as flu, coughs and colds, especially when the immune system is weak. Because of this, parents have been focusing on keeping their kids healthy and free from seasonal illnesses. Parents don’t need a healthcare degree to keep their kids safe from many health ailments. To keep kids healthy and fit, all they need is a lot of love, understanding, good food and good hygiene. Childhood is the perfect time to teach your child good health habits. Follow these 12 simple and useful tips to take care of your child’s health.
Health care tips for kids
1. Minimal sugar intake
It’s important to avoid foods high in sugar and instead focus on offering your child healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and homemade cookies.
2. Drink a lot of water
A large part of our body is made up of water. Water also has a variety of biological functions, such as removing waste, lubricating joints, and protecting delicate tissues such as the spinal cord.
Adequate water intake keeps the body hydrated, helps regulate body temperature, and may even help prevent health problems such as constipation and kidney stones.
3. Check drinks
Sugar-added sodas and fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar and compounds that can affect overall health. Avoid sodas and high-sugar fruit juices and offer your child healthy drinks instead. Some healthy alternatives are coconut water, low-fat fortified milk, and homemade lemonade. Besides, you can also encourage your child to eat whole fruit instead of juice.
4. Occasional dessert
Occasional desserts are fine, but avoid them too often. Maintaining an ideal sugar intake is critical. Many parents and guardians use candy and chocolate to express their love. Maintain this practice occasionally and limit yourself to special occasions like birthdays. Some natural sweets you can consider for dessert are bananas, sweet potatoes, mangoes, custard apples, and coconut milk.
5. More fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for healthy organs and immunity. Most children avoid eating fruits and vegetables. However, there are a number of ways you can encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables every day.
6. Enough sleep
Sleep is important for physical and mental health. During sleep, the body repairs itself and boosts immune function. Children need adequate sleep to grow up healthy. So make sure your child gets enough sleep each night. Children aged 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, and teens aged 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a routine to turn off the lights at a set time each night. Avoid looking at screens a few hours before bed. If your child has trouble falling asleep, you can establish an easy nighttime routine, such as bedtime. Encourage them to read a book or listen to music for a while.
7. Common house rules
Children observe and follow the habits of their parents and siblings. Therefore, it is important to set a good example at home. Keep the same rules for all family members, no exceptions. For example, set a fixed bedtime for each member.
8. Promote sports
These days, teens spend around seven to nine hours a day in front of screens such as TVs and smartphones. Increased screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which may increase your risk of obesity. Experts recommend limiting children’s screen time to a few hours a day. Encourage your child to exercise at least an hour a day through sports and other activities such as cycling. If you don’t have outdoor sports facilities, you can play some simple indoor games that involve exercise.
9. Vaccination
As per the World Health Organization (W.H.O), getting vaccinated reduces the risk of getting sick and helps people who get vaccinated live longer and healthier lives. Many parents are concerned about possible side effects of vaccination. However, the side effects are mostly mild, and the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of disease. Make sure everyone in your household is vaccinated. Keep a vaccination card for your child and each family member and get vaccinated on time to best protect yourself from disease.
10. Good hygiene
Hygiene is as important as a balanced diet and physical activity. Proper hygiene helps protect the body from pathogens. Teach your child healthy hygiene habits, such as using a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and throwing away the tissue after sneezing. Teach your child to wash their hands every time they come in from outside, before eating, and after using the toilet. When outdoors, use an alcohol-based sanitizer to sanitize your hands. Moreover, tell you children to take and use sanitizer when they go to school.
11. Oral hygiene
Children need to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If your child has braces, they may need to brush more often. Teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. You can also encourage your child to floss once a day to remove any food debris stuck between their teeth.
12. Periodic inspection
Each health tip will lead to better health and development for your child. However, you must also require to keep a check on your child’s health. It’s best to keep track of your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. You can talk to a pediatrician who can check your child’s basic health parameters by recommending the correct schedule based on your child’s age and health condition.
The greatest blessing we can give our children is good health. So let our children have abundant blessings.
