Thousands of diseases, conditions and ailments can affect your child. To protect your child as much as possible, teach him proper hygiene, nutrition and health habits from the beginning. Developing a healthy lifestyle involves the entire family as caregivers and examples. As children grow, their needs continually change, but insuring that you have a healthy kid includes their minds, bodies and emotions.
Health for Kids
From teething toddlers to acne and growing pains, there are many things you can do as a parent to provide healthy options for your child. Immunizations are recommended to create immunity to a wide variety of diseases, such as hepatitis B, pneumococcal infections, diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, meningitis, polio, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A, rotavirus and human papillomavirus, according to KidsHealth.
Getting a good night's sleep is important to your child's health. When the body is tired, the immune system is stressed, and it is easier for your child to pick up infections than when he is fully rested. The amount of sleep recommended for your child depends on age, activity level and overall health.
Hygiene for Kids
Good hygiene for your kids provides a two-fold benefit -- your child will look and smell better and the chances of contracting contagious diseases will be reduced. A basic action for good hygiene is teaching your child proper handwashing technique. This requires your child to use soap to cover her hands completely, including between the fingers, and rinse thoroughly. Handwashing should be routine following going to the bathroom, before eating and after playing with shared toys.
Dental hygiene for your child should begin before the first tooth comes in by using a soft damp cloth after each feeding to wipe the gums, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Once the teeth come in, brush twice a day with a soft children's toothbrush. Establishing routine dental hygiene early will help prevent cavities.
Food for Kids
Regardless of the age, having regular family meals is the best way to encourage good eating habits for your children. Be a role model by planning healthy meals that contain protein, fruits, vegetables and grains. A healthy diet is vital to building a strong, healthy body and immune system. If your child is a picky eater, get him involved in shopping and preparing the meal -- make it a fun time together.
Keep plenty of healthy snacks on hand, such as peanut butter and celery, low-fat yogurt, fruits, cheese and whole-grain crackers. Avoid sugary drinks and empty calories, such as candy and chips, except for an occasional special event.
Stay Active
Having a healthy body as a child requires about the same kinds of care as for an adult. Healthy nourishment, regular checkups, precautions to avoid infections and plenty of exercise are necessary for overall good health. Getting your child to be active may require your participation, such as enrolling your child in dancing, karate, soccer or other sports activities. Family activities may include bike riding or swimming.
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