Preventative Health Care Tips for Children: The 15 Important Tips

Ways to Preventative Health Care: A Health Guide for Kids

You've heard the expression "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." That certainly has some truth in it as you will find out later. Of course it is very important to see a doctor, but the point of this article is about tips for preventative health care. Here you will find a health guide of 15 preventative health care tips for kids that will be useful, beneficial, and most importantly give you and your children peace of mind.

1.) Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains - Drink natural fruit juices, milk, and water. Also include meat, fish, beans, and nuts for well-rounded nutrition at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2.) Eliminate snacks as much as possible - Candies, cakes, fast food, sodas, and junk food are a growing concern due to the epidemic of obesity in children. Over the decades many were raised on a steady diet of fast foods, carbonated drinks, and junk food such as potato chips, donuts, and other high calorie foods.

3.) Get vaccinated - Keep current with all vaccinations to ensure protection from serious diseases.

4.) Go to the Dentist for Check-ups twice a year - This is for an overall examination of your teeth and gums by a professional, in addition to a thorough teeth cleaning and x-rays. If cavities are found on dental x-rays then a filling is necessary at a later visit.

5.) Practice Dental Prevention - By regularly brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime you can prevent cavities and reduce plaque build-up on your teeth. With flossing, your gums will stay healthy.

6.) Exercise regularly - Instead of kids sitting in front of the computer or the TV all day begin with daily physical activities such as household chores, walking the dog, wash the car, or even yard work. These are things that must be done on a daily basis and getting the kids involved makes them more productive.

7.) Yearly physical examinations - Besides going to the doctor every year for a physical, be sure to have your doctor check for the kids' BMI (Body Mass Index) to help prevent getting their young bodies with having too much fat.

8.) Vision and Hearing Tests - It is still important to go for vision exams and hearing tests so that any interventions can begin early if necessary.

9.) Child-proof the home - Protect children from getting into prescription medications, guns, alcohol, household cleaning supplies, power shed tools, kitchen knives, or anything else that could be a danger to children. Have them learn the correct procedures to call 911 for emergencies.

10.) Dangers of drugs and alcohol usage - Peer pressure makes it easy for kids to become prey and vulnerable to these dangerously addictive substances. Help them understand the dangers of getting involved with legal and illegal drugs, along with alcohol, and educate them on what these drugs are. This is a very good step for a child to take.

11.) Children going Green - Learn the benefits of a clean environment, which is the land, the water, and the air we breathe. The word "Green" comes from the color of the plants that provide the earth's nourishment. Learn to reduce, recycle, reuse, and enjoy the earth for you and your kids

12.) Protection from the summer sun - Children always need sunscreen lotion while outdoors during the hot summer months. It is also important to protect them from the sun at its peak between the hours of 10AM till 4 PM. Take frequent breaks indoors or in the shade.

13.) Swimming in the pool - Strict adult supervision at all times when children are playing or swimming in the pool, either in their own home or at a friend's. Get a pool safety fence and cover when the pool is not in use. Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age.

 14.) A good night's sleep - Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. This helps them pay better attention in school, be in a better mood, and to fight off sickness in order to stay healthy.

14.) A good night's sleep - Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. This helps them pay better attention in school, be in a better mood, and to fight off sickness in order to stay healthy.