4 Ways to Keep Your Child’s Health Up to Date

As any parent knows, children catch and spread illnesses often from classrooms, school buses, playmates, and more. This is why it’s important to stay on top of your children’s health. Be sure to talk to your family about developing healthy habits, and follow these four tips for staying up to date on your child’s health.

1. Get Current on Vaccines

Vaccines don’t just protect your child from serious illnesses. They also protect any young infants, elderly adults, or immunocompromised individuals in the community from the lethal consequences of getting sick. Measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis are some common vaccines recommended for elementary-age children. To make sure your family is up to date on their vaccines, talk to your primary health physician.

2. Prioritize Hand Washing

Between computer keyboards and playground equipment, children in elementary schools are exposed to a lot of germ-riddled surfaces. Children are also more prone to rubbing their eyes or touching their faces, which can spread germs and diseases. To slow the spread, teach your child when they should wash their hands, such as after using the bathroom or before mealtimes. Always help young children until they can thoroughly wash their own hands. Most experts recommend washing with soap and water for a minimum of twenty seconds.

3. Enforce a Strict Bedtime

Sleep is crucial for supporting the growth of children’s brains and bodies. Kids who get enough sleep have better memory, academic success, and immune system performance compared to kids who don’t. On the other hand, sleep-deprived children tend to be hyperactive, get sick more often, and show less interest in their schoolwork. Experts recommend at least ten hours of sleep for school-age children. To make sure your child gets all ten hours, create a bedtime routine to help your child get used to sleeping at the same time every night.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

Your child’s dental health needs as much attention as their overall health. Children are prone to developing cavities, which can lead to further problems like pain, infection, and even learning problems. Fortunately, cavities are highly preventable. Help your children establish good brushing habits, and schedule regular check-ups with the family dentist to protect their developing teeth.

Childhood is a crucial period of physical and mental growth. To make sure your child’s development is off to a good start, follow the above tips to establish a foundation of good health.

By Dixie Somers / Freelance Writer
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