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Good Health Practices For Children During COVID 19 Pandemic

@SpectacularMag

“Your children take their cues from you, the adult. Remember, the food our children eat, their exercise routine and classroom practices will have lasting effects on their health during COVID 19 pandemic, and as adults,” Dr. Matthew Brothers, a pediatric cardiologist at Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology in Charlotte, NC states.

Safe Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

practicesOver the last year, we’ve learned the importance of in-person school to the health and well-being of our children. Vaccinations are the single best tool to prevent severe illness. Additionally, many children become infected by an adult. This further emphasizes the importance of all adults receiving the vaccine.

In children who are not eligible for vaccinations, there are several additional strategies that, when done, can keep our children safe. These include:

  • Have children, including toddlers, wear face masks over the nose and mouth. There is no harm in wearing a mask for long periods of time.
  • Encourage outdoor activities over indoor activities.
  • Have children remain at least 3 feet apart in the classroom.
Remember the ABC‘s
  • A – Allow space between people so as not to spread disease. Always wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. Ask your pediatrician about COVID 19 screening for children;
  • B – Be physically active at all ages, start with children;
  • C – Choose to eat healthy foods.

Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics www.healthychildren.org

Childhood Obesity Prevention

Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics report “The Role of the Pediatrician in Primary Prevention of Obesity,” recent data has shown that childhood obesity continues to increase dramatically. One in five kindergartners is overweight or obese. This has increased further during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical tips to help children develop healthy habits to reduce obesity:

  • Make available water, fruits, vegetable, and other healthy snacks.
  • Limit treats, snacks, and sugar-sweetened drinks.
  • Encourage naps and proper sleep. Insufficiency and inadequate sleep are at increased risk of obesity.
  • Exercise as a family. Children’s walks, outdoor play, and inside activities can all meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity.

For More Information www.healthychildren.org

Health Tip is a message from Community Health Coalition, Inc. with support from Eurofins Foundation.

For information about health prevention tips, please visit communityhealthcoalition.com.