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Healthful Summer Living for Children
Summer is an especially wonderful season of the year. And for children, especially school-aged children, summer is special because they are free of school for several months. However, children�s health can be impaired during the summer months. Sunburns, falls, cuts, broken bones, water hazards and poison oak are just some of the dangers. But there is one hazard that is commonly overlooked: lack of exercise and poor diet. Although many children stay fairly active, many spend their time inside only watching TV, playing computer or video games or doing other sedentary activities. Also, many children tend to drink more soda, eat more junk food and, in general, do not get the balanced diet they need during the summer. Nationally, children�s health is becoming an increasing concern. Many children are either overweight or obese, and many more children are less fit than children of similar ages 20 to 30 years ago. Traditionally fitness has been tested in children in school by measuring the numbers of sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and running times. Researchers in children�s health have been alarmed by the trend over the past two to three decades of our children�s poorer fitness scores. In light of these trends, there are many things you as a parent can do to encourage your child to stay healthy this summer. 1. More activity. Turn off the electronic media and send your child outside to play for much of the day. Encourage bike riding, running, climbing, jumping, throwing games and playing in a creative, physical way. 2. Healthy diet. Summer is a great time to have children eat loads of peaches, apricots, nectarines, melons, tomatoes, squash and many other fruits and vegetables fresh from farmer�s markets and roadside stands. 3. Water. Save sodas for occasional usage and encourage eight or more glasses of water consumption per day. 4. Sleep. Children still need a minimum of eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. Resist the urge to let them stay up late just because they don�t have school the next day. 5. Avoid junk food. Plan well-balanced meals three times a day and don�t forget to include calcium sources, such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese and broccoli. You can make a difference in your child�s health this summer! It will have long-lasting benefits. Dr. Logan�s office is located at 5910 Clark Road, Suite U, in Paradise. You can call (530) 877-5437 to make an appointment. |
 
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