Healthier Habits, Healthier Children
By Donna Stark
Do you worry about your children's sleep or eating habits? Are you concerned about their performances in school and other activities? If so, you may need to take a look at, and modify, their daily behaviors. Unhealthy habits can lead to serious health issues, such as obesity, sleep deprivation, poor mental skills, depression, illness, and disease, so it is best to address them now and nip them in the bud! How do you do that? Well, you can start by looking at the following suggestions from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.
Healthy Eating Habits
In addition to consuming a healthy diet, healthy eating habits also need to occur on a regular schedule. Here are some easy tips your children should be encouraged to follow.
- Eat a nutrient-dense breakfast
- Avoid consuming sugary and highly caffeinated beverages throughout the day
- Eat meals on a regular schedule (same times every day)
- Slow down while eating and set aside plenty of time to enjoy the food
- Make sure half of the meal consists of vegetables or fruit
- Choose whole, natural foods over processed items
- Drink the recommended amount of water every day
Healthy Movement
Your children are already sitting for extended periods of time at school, so encourage them to be as physically active as they can when they come home. Sign them up for a sport, offer to take them to the gym, or just send them outside for some outdoor play. Try to avoid letting them sit on the couch to watch TV or play video games. A sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on their posture and overall wellness.
Healthy Sleep
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine will help your children in many ways. Their energy, productivity, and creativity will be boosted. Their skills in the classroom and on the field will be sharpened. But the most important benefit that can come from quality sleep is that their overall health and wellness will be improved! Encourage your children to prioritize their sleep with the following suggestions.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- Turn electronics devices off at least an hour before bed
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening
- Engage in an activity that helps the body to relax and decompress
Healthier Habits, Healthier Children
Educating your children on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle will help improve their overall health and wellness now and in the future. On top of that, it may also take away some of your worries. So, go ahead and grab your kids. Sit down and have a chat about the changes you would like to make, and then sit back and watch how impactful they will be!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Surprise, Ariz.