Parents and Children - Tampa Chiropractor | Dr. Brad McHenry | The Health and Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic

Archive for Parents and Children

Jan
25

How to Prepare Yourself Mentally for Teens Leaving Home

You knew it would happen one day. Your children grow up and leave the nest. But, it always seemed to be a lifetime away. When the lifetime is whittled away to a few months or years, begin to prepare yourself for the next stage in both your lives.

Life is about change. It is a new stage when our children grow up and leave to attend college or to move out on their own. Gone are the days when all of our plans centered on them.

But, just because they are eager to leave doesn’t mean that we are eager to see them go. For parents, it means that a journey that began eighteen years ago is coming to an end. So what do we do now?

This is the question that faces many empty-nesters. For so long the purpose of their lives has been tied to their children and they are not prepared for what comes next. Here are some ideas to help you get prepared mentally for this day.

Teach your children to be independent – The last thing any parent wants to do is cripple their children. Always being there to rescue them keeps them dependent on you and not on themselves. Let them find a summer job, balance a checkbook and take responsibility for chores around the house. When they are out on their own, they will be able to take pride in their accomplishments now.
Grieve the loss of this chapter of your life – There are many things that happen in life that can feel much like a death. This is one of those things. It is okay to be sad because your babies are all grown up and living their own lives. Take the time to get used to the changes that will come in your life.
Develop a support system – Talk to friends who are already empty-nesters or who are going through the same transition. Discuss your feelings and what may be over the horizon for both of you.
Talk to your kids – They may notice that you are feeling down. Let them know how you feel. You may be surprised how your teen will react. What a surprise it will be to hear “thank you” fall from their lips when they refer to all that you have done for them! Believing that you have done well as a parent can aid in feeling good about making this transition in your life.
Revisit your attitude on life – Now that your teen is leaving, what do you want from life? Redefining your purpose can give you new hope and a fresh outlook on the future.

Don’t despair when your teens leave the nest. Embrace the change in their life and yours.

0 Categories : College Age

Dec
15

Swimmer’s Ear: Symptoms and Treatment

by Chiropractor

Swimming is a sport that gives you all of the benefits without very many drawbacks. One drawback, though, could be contracting swimmer’s ear. Keep reading to find out what it is and how to treat it if you become infected.

When the weather gets warm, spending time in the pool can cool you off. Whether you are swimming, floating or playing, many people flock to swimming pools and beaches to take a dip in the water.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

A condition that can arise in those who spend a lot of time in the water is swimmer’s ear. Its medical name is otitis externa. The ear canal becomes infected by bacteria and fungi that are present in the water.

When water is allowed to settle in the outer ear, it can break down the skin here over time. Cracks in the skin allow bacteria or fungi to enter and grow. Untreated, it could affect the eardrum and middle ear where the bones of sound conduction are found.

But, you don’t have to be a swimmer to get swimmer’s ear. Bacteria are introduced through breaks in the skin. This can also be caused by scratching the ear canal, using Q-tips and rubbing vigorously or using other objects in the ear. However, children who spend lots of time in the water are still the best candidates.

Signs of Swimmer’s Ear

So, how will you know that you or someone else in your family has the condition? Become suspicious when children begin to pull on their ears. Often this is done because the ears are irritated, painful or itchy. This is the first sign.

Examine the ears. Are there signs of redness or scabs from previous scratches to the skin? Irritation can cause swelling in the ear canal. This swelling can block the transmission of sound.

Kids often complain that they feel that there is something in their ear when there is not. They may feel pain when they chew. If your child is eating less, it could be because of this pain.

Pus is also not uncommon in the ear. It may begin clear and turn cloudy as the condition worsens. Don’t worry about catching it. Swimmer’s ear is not contagious.

Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear

At the first sign of pain, see a doctor. They can examine the ears and let you know exactly what is going on. Treatment involves clearing up the infection with antibiotic drops.

If there is swelling, a steroid drop may also be used to reduce it so that the antibiotic can do its job. The doctor may take a culture of the pus coming from the ear for culture just to confirm the source of the infection. Oral antibiotics may be needed for severe cases.

At home, warm washcloths keep the ear canal clean. Make sure that any moisture is removed. Give pain relievers to stop any discomfort while the medication is working.

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that can affect hearing. Get help from your doctor at the first sign of symptoms.

0 Categories : School Age, Sports

Oct
15

Strains, Sprains and Shin Splints

by Chiropractor

Whenever we exercise there is a chance that we may develop an injury. Injuries are a sign that something is not quite right. Here are some ways to recognize when you are headed for an injury and how to avoid them.

The motto says, “No pain, no gain.” This is not entirely true. It all depends on the type of the pain you are feeling.

Good Pains

There is a certain amount of discomfort that everyone experiences when they begin an exercise program. Going from sedentary to moving gets the body doing things it is unfamiliar with. Your body may experience muscle soreness and pain for the first several days. As the body gets used to the physical activity, the pain will gradually subside.

There is also the discomfort that you experience during exercise. This comes when you are pushing yourself to go beyond your present level of fitness. Think about performing twenty or thirty push ups in a row. Your arms will become fatigued but over time they will increase their endurance.

Bad Pains

Each of the pains felt above will subside with time. As you recognize the signals that your body gives when you are exercising, you will learn which ones mean “push harder” and which ones mean “back off.” Now we are going to discuss the latter.

Some signs that you are experiencing more than a muscle-building pain include: sharp pains that don’t reduce in intensity; pain when you put pressure on a joint; inability to move a body part after prolonged exercise. More than likely such signs mean that you have injured yourself.

There are three types of common injuries that athletes and regular exercisers face: strains, sprains and shin splints.

Strains involve the tendons (fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones). A common point of strain is the hamstring and the inner thigh muscles. They can be caused by failure to warm up, performing a move that you were not prepared for and lack of rest between training sessions. A strain manifests itself through stiffness, tenderness and possibly swelling at the site.

Sprains involve the ligaments (fibrous tissue that attaches bone to bone). Any movement that extends beyond the range of normal motion can lead to a sprain. Ankles are often sprained easily through reaching and twisting. At the site there will be swelling, tenderness and possibly bruising.

Shin splints are often a runner’s injury. Beginning runners who push off too hard on their first run can experience this separation of shin muscle and bone. It feels like an unrelenting pain with each step.

How to Deal with Sports Injuries

The best thing to do for an injury is to rest. Yes, we said rest. This is hard for many athletes, but the alternative is to be out of commission for several months instead of several days.

Elevate the painful area. Reduce swelling and pain with compression bandages and ice packs. Treat the area for about 30 minutes at a time. When it truly feels better you can try again. If the pain persists, see a doctor.

Those that exercise are prone to injuries. Learn about common injuries and how to treat them.

0 Categories : School Age

Oct
5

Staying Hydrated During the Hot Summer Months

by Chiropractor

We enjoy the sun but not always the heat. Getting too much heat can make us miserable and also dry us out. Here are some ways that you and your family can stay hydrated this summer.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and also the one that meets the elements first. In the summer, the main concern is rays from the sun. While the sun is important for providing the body with vitamin D, it doesn’t just have benefits. Too much sun is not healthy for anyone.

The skin is continually reinventing itself. Old skin cells on the surface are sloughed off and new skin moves to the top. We don’t notice that this is happening as long as the skin stays healthy and maintaining its life cycle. When the skin gets dry, that is another story entirely.

The main thing for skin is to maintain a proper level of moisture and suppleness. Here are some suggestions to help you do that.

Drink water – Since a large part of the body is made up of water, it is necessary to replenish what is lost through urination, sweating and cellular processes. A fact is that when you feel that you are thirsty enough for a drink, it is already past the point of normal thirst. To stay on top of hydration, drink at least eight glasses of water a day at regular intervals. The easy way to accomplish this is by carrying a reusable water bottle that will hold at least 32 ounces of liquid. Once you finish drinking it, you’re done.
Eat water filled foods – Many healthy foods contain water. You don’t have to get all of your hydration each day from drinking water. This is good news for people who aren’t fond of plain water. Try berries, melons, and veggies like celery and carrots.
Drink cold water – Cooler water absorbs into the system more readily. You can even feel that coolness traveling throughout your body. It takes warmer water longer to do its job so keep a jug of water in the fridge to drink during outdoor activities and exercise.
Avoid caffeine – Drinking lots of caffeine in coffee, tea and soft drinks can dry you out. You are actually reversing your hydration by sucking them down in hot weather. Stick with water as much as you can. For a new taste, add a flavor packet to your water bottle for a sweeter taste.
Avoid lots of salt – The body needs sodium but not in the quantities that most of us eat it. Too much salt can lead to bloating and increased thirst.

Are you ready for summer to arrive? One way to get ready is to stay hydrated in the warmer weather.

0 Categories : At Home, School Age

Aug
30

Back to School: How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?

by Chiropractor

Are your kids ready for school? You have bought the clothes, supplies and stocked the pantry. But, what about what happens the night before? Sleep is just as integral to a great day as the other items listed above.

The Importance of Sleep

Many people think of sleep as an interruption in their day. However, sleep is actually much more important than that. Here are some facts about sleep.

During sleep the body repairs itself. Each day’s activities place wear and tear on the body, whether we know it or not. You don’t have to show bumps and bruises to affect changes inside the body.

At night, the body shuts down all non-vital systems so it can get to work. Damage to cells and organs are attended to during the sleep cycle. Different brain chemicals are secreted to ensure that you get to sleep and stay that way.

The average person needs about eight hours of sleep each night. For children, teens and older people this number can vary depending on age, but most aren’t even getting the minimum requirement.

Without enough sleep, the body begins to show visible signs of wear. Your brain can’t focus and concentration at work and at school becomes an issue.

The immune system can become compromised. Lack of proper time to repair can lead to increased illness and stress-related problems.

With all of that said, how much sleep does your child need?

Preschoolers

Preschool age children are attending an educational setting at least half a day. With the increased activity, they may need longer periods of rest. In this age group, 10 to 12 hours a night is recommended. Since this is almost half the day, they may not need to take a nap in the middle of the day.

Young School-Age Children

Attending school for a full day can be a shock to their system. Your child may come home tired and sleepy after their first few full days of class. At this age, children require about the same amount of sleep as when they were preschoolers.

A nap time is built into many school schedules. You can compensate by lowering their nightly sleep regimen by an hour or so. The nap can leave them ready for activity when they come home. This period of time is important as it lets them wind down from school before bedtime.

Teens

Teenagers still need at least eight to nine hours of sleep a night. Often, activities keep them from achieving this on a regular basis, but it is a must. Trying to catch up on sleep on the weekend never works and can leave a permanent deficit that affects their waking activities.

For all school-age children, set a regular bedtime and try to stick to it. This will ensure that enough sleep is received to promote health, concentration and a positive mood.

0 Categories : At Home, School Age

Jul
31

Top Tips to Avoid School-Related Stress

by Chiropractor

At school we learn to read, write and do math. But it’s not always easy. School can also be a source of stress. If this is true in your life, try some of these tips.

It is a common misconception that you have to be an adult to experience stress. But, stress is our reaction to situations in life, and it can happen at any age.

Stress at school is not just academic, however. Kids have to maintain their studies while participating in school activities, sports, working and nurturing friendships. It can be a tough load if you don’t know how to handle it. Many adults don’t have to juggle that much on a daily basis.

Tips to Manage Stress

Stay organized – From the beginning of the school year, make sure that your child is staying on top of their homework and other assignments. Keep a separate notebook for each class so nothing gets lost or misplaced.
Start early – If you have a project due in three weeks, waiting until the last week could pose a time crunch, especially if other assignments are also due around that time. If you begin now while you have time, you can address any obstacles you might face and finish early. This can reduce the amount of worry you have to deal with.
Study a little each day – One way that many kids study is cramming. Sure, you will have all of your knowledge in your head for the exam but it will evaporate afterwards. That just means it will be harder to study for the next test if it builds on the information you have already learned. Instead, advise your child to read over their notes each night so that the information is still fresh in their mind.
Get a good night’s sleep – Sleep is a hard task for many students. With all of their activities, sleep time is usually cut short. Over time, lack of sleep can increase stress levels by decreasing concentration and memory retention. Try to set a specific bedtime each night so that they get at least eight to ten hours of sleep.
Talk to your child – When kids get stressed it helps to get them talking. Voicing your concerns allows others to offer suggestions for solving them. Armed with solutions, your child can better cope with whatever comes their way throughout the day.
Enlist the help of others – If your child is having trouble in a subject, find a tutor. Getting help at the beginning can avoid homework and exam stress.
Limit after-school activities – Colleges want to see well-rounded applicants, but too many activities can be counterproductive. Choose a couple that you like and concentrate on increasing participation instead of increasing the number of activities.

School can be just as stressful as work in the adult world.

0 Categories : School Age, Stress

Jul
15

Recreational Water Illnesses and How to Prevent Them

by Chiropractor

Water cools us off, especially when the weather gets warm. If you are planning to spend a good deal of your time in the water this summer, here are some ways to keep yourself safe.

What Are Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI)?

Recreational water illnesses refer to any sickness that is water borne. They can occur in any body of water: lakes, rivers, ponds, and backyard and public pools. Kids and adults alike love water so it is important to be healthy while enjoying these activities.

It is the responsibility of not only the pool owners but also the swimmers to keep themselves safe from potential contamination in water sources. Bacteria love warm, moist places to cling and breed.

Preventing Sickness from Water Fun

Test chlorine levels – Just because chlorine is added to a pool doesn’t mean that it is safe. The pH has to be at a certain level in order for bacteria to be affected and it doesn’t kill the bacteria right away. Pool supervisors that regularly clean and treat with chlorine can reduce bacterial growth that can affect the health of swimmers. You can test the water yourself with home litmus kits.
Don’t drink the water – The chlorine alone can make you feel sick to your stomach. Water in pools and natural bodies contain some measure of bacteria. Drinking pool water increases your chances of contracting a water illness. Keep your mouth shut as much as possible while you are swimming.
Don’t swim if you are sick – You may not be able to see it, but small amounts of fecal matter can be released into the water if you have been suffering from diarrhea. Any bacteria, which you have on or in your body, can make its way into the water from a cough, flatulence or a urinary accident.
Change babies in the bathroom – Poolside diaper changes may be easier but they are definitely not safer. Diaper contents can become aerosolized or even leak onto the area surrounding the pool. Then it is only a short distance to the entire body of water.
Wash before you swim – Clean your skin before jumping into the pool. Take a shower in your suit before entering the pool area.
Wash your hands thoroughly – After using the bathroom, use soap and warm water to clean any debris off of your hands before re-entering the water.
Read posted signs – Whenever there is a health concern that could affect public areas where lots of people gather, signs will be posted or announcements made. Wait until the public threat is over before returning.

It is not as hard as you think to spread bacteria from person to person. A body of water is the perfect breeding ground. Above are a few ideas that can help you keep yourself safe this summer.

0 Categories : School Age, Sports

Jun
15

Chickenpox: How to Ease the Itch

by Chiropractor

One of the oldest recorded childhood diseases is chickenpox. Just about every kid is exposed to it at one time or another. Here are some ways to control one of the most unbearable of its symptoms – itching.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually occurs in children. You may notice an itchy red rash that occurs all over the body and the face. These bumps are usually spread over the body through scratching of the rash and then touching unaffected areas.

If you look closely, the red bumps resemble pimples. They are filled with clear fluid that turns cloudy. When they eventually pop, they crust and produce scabs as they dry out.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

Those with chickenpox notice the rash and itching more than anything else. But, there are other symptoms that children may feel such as fever, sore throat, headache or abdominal pain before the rash shows up. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to serious bacterial or viral infections that affect the brain, joints and bones.

Chickenpox is highly contagious. Parents usually expose other children if one child has it so that they will all suffer together and then it’s over. If your child has it, don’t let them go to school as they can pass the virus to others until the bumps pop and scab over. This can take about a week.

Stopping the Itch

Chickenpox can be both itchy and painful. Scratching seems to bring some relief but then the pain starts from all that rubbing and scratching. Kids and parents are miserable as they endure the five or seven days it takes for the condition to run its course. Here are some ideas to stem that itch and keep your child cool and comfortable.

Use calamine lotion – This works for other itchy rashes like poison ivy by drying out the skin. Rubbing your child down with it can provide temporary relief from pain and itch.
Take antihistamines – The itching is a result of the body’s reaction to the disease. It releases histamine which leads to the itching. Over-the-counter medications can block the release of histamine so you feel less itchy over time.
Oatmeal baths – This is an old but a good remedy for chickenpox itch. Fill a tub with cool, but not cold water. Hot water can increase the pain and itch. Fill the tub with baking soda and oatmeal. If you have it, use pre-packaged colloidal oatmeal remedies. Allow your child to soak for about 15 minutes until they feel better.
Use socks on the hands – It will be hard to keep kids from scratching when they itch. Placing mittens or socks on the hands prevents damage from being done to the skin that will hurt later on.

Chickenpox can become that much more unbearable when the itching begins. Here are some tips to help reduce the itch.

0 Categories : At Home, School Age

May
31

Chickenpox Vaccine: Is It Necessary?

by Chiropractor

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mostly occurs in children but can affect adults who have never experienced it as a child.

Chickenpox is one of the oldest recorded childhood conditions. It can begin with a fever but it always ends up with contagious red bumpy rashes that spread from head to toe. Everyone knows that look.

For about a week, your child is covered in blister-like bumps that are red, itchy and painful. It can be a parent’s worst nightmare, especially if they have more than one child.

About ten or so years ago, doctors introduced a new vaccine for chickenpox – the varicella vaccine. Parents have had conflicting views of this development and are puzzled by what to do about it. Should they give it to their kids or allow nature to take its course?

Both Sides of the Argument

For hundreds or thousands of years, children have lived through chickenpox. When the body encounters childhood diseases like chickenpox or mumps and measles, it builds up immunity. Antibodies are produced as a result of the body fighting the invading antigen. A high level of these antibodies in the body (titer) can ward off future incidents of the condition from occurring.

In the past, if one child was exposed to the virus, parents would expose all of their children. This was done for two reasons. One, it almost guaranteed that the healthy child would contract the disease in childhood. Secondly, if all of the children had it at the same time then only one week of work was lost.

Nowadays, there are vaccines available that had not been invented all those years ago. Children can avoid the pain of many conditions with a vaccination. Parents are opting for this method to keep their children healthier than previous generations.

Here’s the rub, though. Because the vaccine is new, there is a lack of data as to its efficacy. No one is sure how long the immunity will last.

The problem here is shingles. It is an adult form of chickenpox that is quite painful. It can also cause serious problems in those who have never had chickenpox before or in people who have had it but not maintained a high enough titer over the years.

Children not exposed to chickenpox as children have a greater incidence of contracting shingles as adults. For non-immune adults, the varicella vaccine can help lower their risk of catching chickenpox, especially in geriatric people where it can be life threatening.

So, is the vaccine necessary? Many healthcare facilities require it for employees. Parents have a choice when it comes to their children. For them the question is which is better: natural immunity through exposure or vaccination? The jury is still out on this one.

0 Categories : Infant

May
30

Natural Treatment Options for Summer Cold and Flu

by Chiropractor

The last thing that anyone thinks about in the summer is getting a cold. But, cold viruses don’t know a season so you can still be the victim of one when the weather gets warm. Here are some ways to naturally treat them.

A sniffle or cough can be bothersome in the summertime. The first thought is that it is allergic rhinitis. Consulting a doctor can help you determine if you are suffering from allergies or if you have been bitten by the cold bug. Treatment is different so you want to be sure that you are fighting back in the right way.

What Are the Symptoms of a Summer Cold or Flu?

The symptoms are very similar for a winter cold or flu. You may present with a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing and/or chest congestion. With the flu, there is also the addition of a possible fever, fatigue and a general malaise that can go on for days.

Before you reach for medicine, try using natural remedies first. For one thing, viruses have no cure. What you are treating are the symptoms and not the disease itself. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses and overuse of them can lower their efficacy.

Treatments

A cold and the flu will resolve itself in several days or a week or two. Treatment options can reduce the severity of the symptoms and the duration of the condition. Boosting the immunity can help also, and helps prevent future colds and flu symptoms.

Neti pot – Nasal congestion can lead to sore throat and sleepless nights. Using the warm water can wash out bacteria from the nasal passages and help shrink swollen membranes.
Humidifier – Dry air can make a dry and itchy nose worse. Adding moisture to the air can reduce your cold symptoms. Try a cool mist humidifier.
Herbal remedies – There are over-the-counter remedies like Zicam and Airborne that contain zinc, Echinacea and vitamin C to help boost your immunity. Take them when you are exposed to cold viruses at work or at home to help you to avoid contracting a cold. Some are used at the first sign of a cold to reduce the duration.
Wash your hands often – The first line of defense against disease is hand washing. It can reduce germs on your hands that can be transmitted to mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.
Rest – Most of us continue to work at present levels when we get sick. Rest like sleep gives the body a chance to recharge and repair itself. Allow yourself a couple more hours to sleep and take breaks during your day to avoid overexertion which can make your symptoms feel worse.

Have you been bitten by the cold bug? There are some ways that you can naturally help yourself to feel better.

0 Categories : Cold and Flu, School Age

May
15

Delicious Dinner Ideas for Kids with Lactose Intolerance

by Chiropractor

Some of us are born with a problem called lactose intolerance. It means that we have a tough time eating dairy products. If your child has been diagnosed, here are some ways that they can still enjoy delicious meals.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance means that the body displays a negative reaction to the sugar lactose. Lactose is found in milk and other dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Because the body lacks the enzymes to break it down, it has to be eliminated. The experience of this can be quite uncomfortable.

Those who are lactose intolerant often find out after repeatedly eating dairy products and suffering the ill effects. This includes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, bloating and gas. It can occur anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating a dairy product.

If you’ve ever thought about it, this can eliminate a lot of foods from your dietary list. It also means reading a lot of food labels to see what contains any form of dairy and what does not. For children, this can mean watching their friends enjoy pizza and knowing that they can’t have any or it will make them feel really bad.

Healthy Delicious Dinners

But, there is another way. Kids can enjoy some of the same foods that their friends eat but without the lactose sugar that can make them feel sick. It takes a bit of creative thinking, but it will be beneficial to your child and the entire family.

Other members of the family need to watch what they buy when there is a lactose intolerant child in the house. Any dairy products need to be clearly labeled so the child doesn’t eat them.

This is also an opportunity to get your kids involved in cooking in the kitchen. You are not only having fun but showing them how to create meals that they love that won’t hurt them.

Here are some ideas for lactose-free dinner meals.

Macaroni and cheese – Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese? Instead of using regular milk to make the cheese sauce, try plain soy milk. There is a product on the market called nutritional yeast. It has a nutty flavor and the consistency of a powder, and can be used as a kind of thickener for sauces instead of cheese. It can also be added to cheese substitutes for better flavor.
Pizza – Pizza is an incredible food and your children will probably want to eat it. You can use or make your own pizza dough for the crust. Since cheese is out of the question for a topping, create a cheese sauce using soy milk and nutritional yeast. Add pizza sauce to your dough and then cover with your dairy-free cheese sauce. Top with your favorite toppings and bake.
Lasagna – Your cheese sauce will come in handy again. There is also dairy-free ricotta cheese to add as a filler between the layers. Don’t forget to add your favorite pasta sauce and meat or vegetables to the layers of the lasagna.

Just because your kids can’t eat dairy, doesn’t mean they can’t still eat delicious foods. Try these examples above.

0 Categories : Recipes, School Age

May
15

Nutrition and the Healthy Child

by Chiropractor

We are what we eat, and that includes our children. The food and snacks they put into their bodies each day are what make up their cells and fuel their energy. Healthy eating aimed at children is designed to increase their energy, their health and their potential for a healthy life as they grow older.

The US Department of Agriculture publishes the Food Guide Pyramid to promote healthy eating in children over six years. This is a general guideline for daily food choices and not a strict listing. The main emphasis is on the five major food groups and it emphasizes a decreased amount of fat, oils, sweets and salt.

Many people find the Food Pyramid helpful for standardized guidelines but others find it difficult to understand and follow. Some theorize that this is the cause of obesity epidemic in children. However, this is an easy explanation for a much more complex problem that involves a lack of education about the need for good nutrition, adequate exercise and a lower number of television hours for children.

Nutrition and the healthy child requires a few guidelines. Children should eat a variety of foods. This includes vegetables and fruits as well as nuts and seeds. Children usually are able to eat enough processed foods filled with sugar and artificial colors and flavors.

Healthy eating aimed at children also includes balancing the foods they eat with physical activity. School systems have declining budgets and physical education programs are being drastically slashed. Even recess is being cut in some areas of the country. If a child doesn’t participate in a school sport then it’s likely they’ll go from sitting at their school desk all day to sitting and studying and then in front of the television at night.

Nutrition and the healthy child means that parents help to chose a diet that has enough whole wheat grains, vegetables and fruit. This should be the basis of the foods that they eat. The majority of their food should consist of those three food groups. And it should be low in fats, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

Sugar is a favorite food group of both children and adults but eaten in moderate to large amounts it can do damage to your health, immune system and weight. Because sugar and salt is a favorite of children and adults – and because children require good role models in the home – both children and adults should refrain from over eating from these foods.

A healthy child also requires the minerals and vitamins that their growing bodies need – such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and complete proteins. Another aspect of using the Food Pyramid to judge healthy eating aimed at children is that the serving sizes may be confusing. A serving of meat is actually 1-2 ounces so with a ¼ pound hamburger they’ve eating 2-3 servings of meat in one meal.

0 Categories : Balanced Diet, School Age