The Basics

The Basics


Does This Mean I Can't Eat Ice Cream?


Good nutrition does not mean that your children cannot eat
their favorite foods or that they must eat foods they do not
like. Good nutrition means variety and moderation in a person's
diet. Choosing what foods to eat is important in pursuing a
healthy life. Your children may choose to eat certain foods
because they taste good or because they are available. Make
nutritious foods available and monitor the "sometimes"
foods--sugary snacks and fatty desserts.



I'd Rather Play.


Good health is a blend of physical and emotional
well-being. Exercises are basic elements of physical fitness
that should be part of play.

Aerobic exercises, such as jogging or jumping, that
increase the heartbeat, strengthen the heart and muscles,
improve endurance, condition the total body, and help prevent
disease. Anaerobic, slow, stretching exercises improve
flexibility and muscular fitness. Both types of exercise are
important and fun.



I'm Afraid and I'm Unhappy.


We all face stressful situations. With family members,
with teachers, with friends, and with strangers problems can
arise that make your child feel anxious, nervous, confused, or
frightened. Too much stress or the wrong kind of stress can
make it difficult for children to learn. Helping your child
learn appropriate and healthy ways of handling stress, through
exercise, proper sleep, discussing problems with an adult, or
breaking down jobs into manageable parts, for example, is
important.


You Sneezed Right in My Face!


A healthy lifestyle includes habits that will help your
child avoid diseases caused by germs. Material carrying germs
can be transferred through handshaking, kissing, coughing,
sneezing, or by other means of direct contact. Most shared
items have germs on them. Teaching your child how to reduce the
transmission of germs can help your child, as well as others,
stay healthy.



I Don't Feel Well!


A clean environment will support the health and well-being
of your child now and in the future. You can begin by having a
healthy home that is free of dirt, dust, and germs, as well as
dangerous substances such as radon or lead. Make sure, too,
that poisonous substances, such as household cleaners and
pesticides, are kept away from children. You can also take
precautions in preparing foods by washing them carefully and
cooking them at the recommended temperature. Outside the home,
you can work with others to help combat excessive pollution in
your community.