Healthy Habits For Kids

Encourage your children to get lots of exercise most days of the week.

You play an important role in helping your children develop healthy habits while they're young. Try to set a good example. Your children look to as a role model. Remember to:

• Give them the runaround. Encourage your kids to play hard for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week. Read our fitness and exercise tips for ideas on keeping your kids active and fit. Check out the Girls on the Run web site to learn more about the program that combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem building workouts.
• Serve healthy, well-balanced meals. We offer helpful suggestions that can make mealtimes easier and nutritious.
• Encourage your kids to play with their food. Kids can learn healthy habits when they play the Amazing Food Detective game.
• Set limits on screen time and get ideas for alternative activities.
• Help your child get enough sleep by setting a regular bedtime.
• Do your best to dodge germs. Hand washing is a simple, effective way to avoid spreading germs.
• Begin discussions with your kids at an early age about avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol, inhalants, and other drugs.
• Keep your kids away from smoke. Cigarette smoke increases your child's risk of asthma, colds, pneumonia, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you smoke, consider enrolling in one of our Smoking & Tobacco Cessation classes to help you quit.
• Stay up-to-date with recommended screening tests and immunizations. Review these preventive care guidelines for children and teens.