August is Children’s Health Month! Children need proper support and nourishment to grow strong, so helping them form good health habits and ensuring regular care is important. Fortunately, about 97% of children from ages 5 to 11 report having a usual source of healthcare*. Let’s work to make sure parents are using that healthcare and getting children the support they need to grow up happy and healthy!
At BRMS, we’re working to spread awareness about the importance of sun safety through helpful tips and insights!
- 1.9% of children from ages 5-11 are in fair or poor health.*
- About 21% of children from ages 6-11 have obesity.*
- Around 6.5% of children have missed over 11 days of school due to illness, injury, or disability.**
- Nearly 44% of children under the age of 18 received the flu vaccine this year.**
- Around 1 in 5 children around the ages of 3-7 have been diagnosed with a mental or emotional health condition.***
Put Active Playtime First
Just like adults, it’s vital for children to get enough exercise so they develop strong bones, muscles, and coordination. Most children should aim to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day at minimum. Some fun activities can include biking, swimming, dancing, or even just running around outside. Be sure to encourage active playtime and movement each day.
Keep Plates Colorful for Mealtime
Balanced nutrition is important for children’s health, as it bolsters their growth and supports their wellbeing. Making sure there’s a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is a good way to keep mealtime healthy and provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Keep snacks like apples, carrots, or yogurt on hand, and consider cutting out sugary and processed foods.
Create a Bedtime Routine
The best way to make sure children have a good day starts with ensuring they have a good night’s sleep. Sleep supports growth, mood regulation, and concentration in children, which makes it especially important that they get the proper amount. Most children need around 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, so try creating a calming and consistent bedtime routine that eliminates screen time at least an hour beforehand.
Cut Down on Sugary Drinks
Getting the right amount of fluid and staying properly hydrated improves children’s energy levels and brain function. Unfortunately, a fair amount of the drinks out there for kids are chock-full of sugar. Avoid unhealthy sugar rushes (and crashes) by opting for water first! Keeping a fun, reusable water bottle on hand can help encourage regular hydration throughout the day.
Unplug the Screens
From movies and TV shows to video games and smartphones, children spend a good amount of time in front of screens. Too much of this screen time can disrupt sleep, affect posture, and interfere with the amount of physical activity needed each day. Setting clear limits to decrease the time children spend in front of screens, and designating tech-free zones like the dinner table, can help promote better focus and social interaction.
In order to grow into their full potential, children need the encouragement of the adults around them. From eating balanced meals to getting active during playtime, there are plenty of fun ways you can help support the health and well-being of children in your life. Join BRMS as we work to promote and empower happier, healthier futures!
