7 Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy in School

Teaching proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Washing your hands with warm, clean water and soap is the most effective way to keep your hands clean. When soap and water are not readily available, consider keeping hand sanitizer in places like your car, in bookbags, sports bags and purses.

Tip #1: Stay Active

Kids need to stay active to stay healthy. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention only 50% of boys and less than 34% of girls are considered physically fit.

Encourage your kids to get outside or get involved in athletics at school or in the community. If your child is active in sports and has an injury, Henry County Hospital Rehab Services can quickly schedule and create a treatment plan to get them back in the game quickly.

Tip #2: Stay Up-to-Date on Wellness Checks & Vaccinations

Not sure what vaccinations your child needs? Make an annual well-child appointment with your doctor. During these check-ups, your doctor will assess your child’s physical and emotional development and give guidance on vaccinations. Visit HenryCountyHospital.org/Immunizations to view a vaccination chart by age.

Tip#3: Have Children Be Involved with Healthy Food Choices

Children’s nutrition is important. Teach them healthy habits by involving them in meal planning and allowing them to make healthy choices for themselves.

• Let them choose: Let your child pick out the fruits and vegetables when you go to the store.
• Plan meals together: Let your kids help plan meals with a focus on including healthy options like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Even pizza night can get a healthy makeover just by adding a salad or vegetables as a side dish.
• Switch Roles: Encourage your children to take the lead on age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen. Meal planning, mixing ingredients and packing their own lunches can help them establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Tip #4: Choose Water for Healthy Hydration

60% of the human body is water, so it makes sense that staying hydrated with healthy drinks like water and milk can help improve your child’s mood, memory, and attention.

Water doesn’t have to be boring

• Add berries, citrus fruit or cucumber for variety.
• Use mint or ginger for a flavor boost.
• Freeze fresh fruit to use as ice cubes.
• Use a special water bottle or unique cup.

Tip #5: Make Sleep a Priority

Most healthy children need 8-10 hours of sleep each night. By developing healthy sleep habits early, your child will benefit from improved attention, behavior, learning memory and overall mental and physical health.

Tip #6: Talk about Mental Health

Talking openly about feelings of anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide can make children of all ages feel less alone and encourage open communication. Not sure where to begin?

Consider these conversation starters:

• If you were to write a book or make a movie about the past year, how do you think it would end?
• What do you like most about your life right now and what would you change?

Remember: When children feel respected and listened to, they are more likely to open up in the future. Show empathy by saying things like, “I see what you mean,” instead of trying to fix the problem for them.

Tip #7: Encourage Mask Wearing and Social Distancing

Talk to your kids about the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing at school, on the bus, at sporting events and at after school activities. Take the time to talk through their questions about how masks protect them and why we wear them.

Primary Care in Henry County

An established family health care provider can be an asset to your family's health and wellness. A physician who knows your family's medical history and has a relationship with you can greatly benefit your overall health. Trust your family health care needs with Henry County Hospital Family Medicine, make an appointment today by calling 419.592.1071.