Texans have a number of educational and support resources to maintain the health of their families. The state has dedicated several programs to ensure that families have the nutritional, medical and recreational resources they require for their physical and emotional well-being.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition and access to healthy foods are important parts of building a healthy family. Families should consume a diet abundant in fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and dairy. In Texas, the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program ensures that proper nutrition begins before birth by offering nutrition counseling, supplements and healthy foods to pregnant or nursing women and children under 5 who are considered nutritionally at risk. The Let's Move campaign recommends reducing portion size, keeping healthy snacks on hand and minimizing high-fat, high-sugar foods in the diet. According to Texas law, school districts with at least 10 percent of their student body qualifying for the free or reduced lunch program must participate in the Texas School Breakfast program, so that children in Texas do not start their school day on an empty stomach.
Medical Care
For a family to be healthy, it is important that its members receive quality medical care. For new Texans, this begins at birth with a newborn screening that test for more than 28 health disorders. Children in the public schools participate in screenings for vision, spine and hearing impairments. The Texas Primary Care Office works to ensure that all Texans have access to quality health care.
Quality Time
Spending quality time together is an essential component to building a strong, healthy family. The YMCA in Texas provides a low-cost way for families to spend time together. Local YMCAs sponsor family activities and camps to build strong family ties, build memories and provide a foundation of positive communication. Another way to incorporate quality time within a family is to eat dinner as a family regularly.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. First lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign recommends that kids participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Texas provides a number of outdoor recreational facilities, such as 90 state parks and four national parks, local parks and playgrounds. Local YMCAs also provide family exercise facilities and organized sports activities. Families that play together build unity and create lasting memories. The Texas Department of Agriculture and the Dallas Area Coalition to Prevent Childhood Obesity (DACPCO), along with the Get Kidz Fit Initiative, sponsors a fair of more than 90 organizations to promote an active lifestyle.
Positive Parenting
Positive parenting uses "Genuine Encounter Moments" to teach right from wrong. Using this method helps children feel validated, powerful and builds self-esteem. Parents who subscribe to this philosophy allow their children to experience natural and logical consequences. They are kind, yet firm, and very consistent. Positive parenting is important for developing children into responsible, productive adults. The Dallas Association for Parent Education offers a positive parenting class that focuses on helping parents navigate decisions related to family life. The curriculum includes physical punishment, setting limits, establishing consequences, listening, managing anger and addressing challenging behaviors.
