A Healthy Lifestyle for Your Child: Care Instructions

Overview

A healthy lifestyle can help your child feel good, stay at a weight that's healthy for them, and have lots of energy for school and play. In fact, a healthy lifestyle will help your whole family. It also will show your child that everyone needs to take care of their health. Good food and plenty of exercise are the main things you can do to have a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating means eating fruits and vegetables, lean meats and dairy, and whole grains. It also means not eating too much fat, sugar, and fast food. Your child can still eat desserts or other treats now and then. The goal is moderation.

It is important for your child to stay at a weight that's healthy for them. A child who weighs too much may develop serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Good eating habits and exercise are especially important if your child already has any health problems.

You can follow a few tips to improve the health of your child and your whole family.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Offer a variety of healthy foods.
  • Offer lots of vegetables and fruits every day.
  • Offer water when your child is thirsty.
  • Keep healthy snacks that your child likes within easy reach.
  • Try new foods together.
• Eat as a family as often as possible. Keep family meals fun and positive.
• Make exercise a part of your family's daily life. Encourage your child to be active for at least 1 hour every day.
  • Walk with your child to do errands or to the bus stop or school.
  • Take bike rides as a family.
  • Have your child help with chores around the home.
• Put a limit on your child's screen time.
• Remove media devices like phones, tablets, and computers from your child's bedroom before bed.
• Be a good role model. Practice the eating and exercise habits that you want your child to have.