Every year, in the month of October, we put the spotlight on children’s health and well-being.
Why It’s Important…
Childhood is where it all begins. This is a truism, since childhood is quite literally when we start to live our life, and a more general statement of fact. That’s because many of the things that we do in our childhood impact our later development and the way we experience the world.
- Childhood is a critical time for physical and cognitive development. The movement skills that children learn at a young age influence their cognitive skills, memory, attention, and thinking capabilities. Making sure that children are physically active supports their overall learning. Moreover, from birth through age five, a child’s brain develops more than it will at any other time of their life.
- Children are more vulnerable to environmental pollutants and pathogens than adults. This is because they breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food per pound of body weight than their elders. Exposure to harmful substances can have an outsized effect on their physical well-being.
- Children that are healthy tend to learn better at school and have better academic outcomes—helping children stay healthy plays an important part in their future success.
- Adults are more likely to stick to healthy habits when they learn them early on. Teaching children to eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and see the doctor for check-ups at least once a year helps them maintain this positive behavior throughout their lives.
How we can Celebrate National Children’s Health Month…
- Promote Healthy Eating. Try to give your children a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugary snacks and beverages and emphasize the importance of drinking water.
- Stay Active. Encourage physical activity by biking or walking to school. Take advantage of the weekends and holidays to discover the great outdoors through visits to the zoo, the beach, parks, and forests.
- Schedule Medical Check-ups. Make sure your child is up to date with their health check-ups and vaccinations.
- Mental Health Awareness. Pay attention to your child’s emotional well-being. Maintain an open and supportive environment for them to express their feelings, and seek professional help if needed.
- Limit Exposure to Harmful Chemicals. To lessen the risk of your child consuming lead, run your tap water until it becomes cold. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. You can also reduce the risk of consuming pesticide residues by washing fruits and vegetables under cold running water and peeling them when possible.
- Lead by Example. Children tend to learn by observing their parents. Set a positive example by adopting a healthy lifestyle yourself. You will inspire your little ones to do the same.
At the Dream Factory, we care deeply about the health and well-being of all children. Click here to learn more about the important work we are doing to help children that have critical or chronic illnesses, and that suffer physically or emotionally from their condition.
