Healthy Habits for Healthy Children

By Donna Stark

Every parent wishes the same thing for their children. We all want our kids to thrive and stay healthy, so it's important to establish healthy lifestyle habits when they are young. Encouraging healthy habits from a young age can reduce the risk of serious health conditions and can set your children up for lifelong optimal health. But what are the habits you should focus on? Great question, and since National Child Health Day is in October, it couldn't be a better time to learn more.

Optimal Health for Your Children

If you are already feeding your children a nutrient-dense diet and signing them up for sports and other physical activities during the week, you are taking steps in the right direction. But good health doesn't only come from diet and exercise. Take a look at some other healthy habits that you should focus on with your children.

• Hand washing - We are in concerning times right now and just about to enter the cold and flu season on top of that, so teach your children one of the most important steps to good health ... hand washing! Show them how to soap up, scrub, and rinse the proper way, and educate them on when they actually should clean their hands. It's also a good idea to remind them to keep their hands and fingers away from their face.
• Reading - Sure, you may be tired to the bone by the end of the day, but don't pass up on the opportunity to listen to your children read their favorite bedtime stories. It's too important! Reading can help improve memory, sharpen concentration, strengthen language and communication skills, and encourage relaxation. It's so much healthier than letting them scroll on their electronic devices before bed.
• Drinking water - Teaching your children what is healthy to eat is great but are you doing the same with what they choose to drink? Making smart decisions with their beverage choices is just as important as their food selections, so encourage more water and less soda, energy drinks, and sugary concoctions.
• Brushing teeth - Poor dental hygiene can cause a lot more than stinky breath and cavities. It can lead to serious medical issues over time! So, make sure your children understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Teach your kids to brush at least twice a day and show them the correct way to clean and floss their teeth.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Children

If you want your children to maintain optimal health, you have to instill healthy habits into their lifestyle at a young age. It may require some extra work on your part after a long day at work, but the rewards in the end will be worth it!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Durham, N.C.