Head to Toe Healthy Living for Kids

Six ways to help kids lead the healthiest lives now and as they grow

These days, kids can get distracted!  Any of us can be.  There’s social media, activities everywhere you turn, advertisements promoting someone else’s best interests, and so many other things that can throw our kids off course. It can seem like a losing battle to try.

However, instilling healthy habits from a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. From physical fitness to mental wellness, and even dental health, there are myriad ways to nurture our kids' overall health. 

Here are five things you can watch for, and even stimulate, to make a healthy difference for your kids:

Physical Activity: It’s said that “kids don’t seem to want to play anymore”.  Well, that may be true for others, but it doesn’t have to be true for you.  Encourage your kids to get outside, to take a walk with you, to get moving.  You don’t need to sign up for expensive sports leagues.  Just move those bodies!

Balanced Nutrition: Kids will eat what is in front of them.  You don’t have to go for 100% healthy food.  Just limit the sugary snacks.  And wherever possible, try to lessen fast food intake. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be a bit more expensive, but they fill you up for longer, and they can deter expensive health issues.  It’s worth it.

Mental Well-being and Sleep: Talk to your kids.  More importantly, just listen.  Get help if you need to.  There is nothing wrong with asking for help for yourself, or your kids.  And by all means, get them to bed on time.  A lack of sleep can cause more issues than you see.

Dental Health: This is our specialty at Garrison Dental.  Dental health is often overlooked but plays a significant role in overall wellness.  Drink lots of water, brush your teeth a couple of times a day, and floss those pearly whites too.  A couple of times a year, come and see us for a checkup.

Limit Screen Time: Do we even have to say it?  Mom’s and Dad’s, you’re still in charge.  Put the phones away when they’ve had enough.  Ok, we’re climbing back down off our soap box now!

Lead by Example:  Do all of the above yourself.  When your kids see you practicing healthy habits, they’ll likely want to do the same. Encourage them, and show off your hard-earned results.  

Moms and Dads, it’s not easy to raise healthy kids.  We’re not saying that it is. And we don’t think you have to overturn everything in your life to make all six of these practices happen.  But it’s always helpful to start somewhere.  Keep on trying, and keep on believing in yourself.  You’ll do great, and your kids will thank you for it!   Someday.

Garrison Dental is a Dental Services provider in Ashland, Ohio.  They’ve been practicing in Ashland for over 32 years, and are a trusted healthcare provider for your family’s dental needs.

Garrison Dental is always accepting new patients of all ages.  Call or text 419-281-2323 for more information about Garrison Dental today.