Kids Can Get Healthy Too: Check Out These Tips!
By Genevieve Cunningham
When most of us talk or think about getting healthy, we're generally referring to ourselves or other adults. We're thinking of going on diets or taking classes at the gym. We're thinking of weight loss or lowering cholesterol or reducing our risk of diabetes. But health isn't exclusive to adults. In fact, if you have kids, you should most definitely be thinking about their overall health and wellness. If you would like to set your kids up for healthy lives now and in the future, take a look at these things to start with them today.
Get Your Kids Involved
Healthy kids are usually involved. Are they involved in everything? No way, but they're definitely involved in a few things that are fun and engaging. If your kids are into art, try a drama club, an art class, or a painting group. If your kids are into movement, try a kid's exercise class or local sports. The more kids are involved, the more they learn to manage their time and energy, and the healthier they'll be -- both mentally and physically -- as they get older.
Start and Keep Yearly Checkups
When our kids are really young, we take them to checkups every few months. But as they get older, we tend to take them less and less. We take them when they're sick or injured, but checkups tend to fall by the wayside. No matter how old your kids are, start taking them to yearly checkups and continue all throughout childhood. This gives the doctor a chance to get to know your kid and their health, and it also teaches your children healthy habits that they can continue into adulthood. Checkups are important! Start now -- for everyone in your family! -- and you'll be setting everyone up for much better health.
Schedule Their Food
Most people already know to schedule meals. We eat at roughly the same times every day. But for kids, it can also be helpful to schedule snacks as well. Kids tend to eat whatever sounds good at whatever time of day. They don't care if they just ate breakfast; they want that cookie! Help your kids follow a schedule of healthy meals and light snacks. As they get older, their stomachs will adjust and they'll be able to naturally keep their calories under better control.
Kids can be healthy. Though it can sometimes feel impossible to get them on the right path, it can be done! Use these tips to get your kids moving in a healthy direction, and watch your whole family thrive as the years go by.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aliso Viejo, Calif.