Summer Health Guide — How to keep your kids active and healthy during the summer break
Hooray, summer is here! For children everywhere, summertime means no school and lots of fun. For parents however, summertime can pose some problems. It can be hard for parents to ensure that kids are getting enough activity and staying healthy in the summer when school is out. It can be especially hard to make sure that kids are staying, not only physically active, but also mentally active so they are ready for the next school year.
Here at Community Healthcare Network, we wanted to share some fun and healthy tips for kids (and parents) to enjoy this summer. We hope you enjoy them!
- Stay hydrated! Keep a water bottle handy this summer and drink up! As the temperature rises, it’s important to make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated and healthy. Remember, water hydrates, not soda. Take a pass on the soda!
2. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Loose clothing will actually keep you cooler than exposing your skin to the sun. And always remember the sunscreen. Remember, SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) and water resistant. Lather on before you head outside so it has a chance to absorb.
3. Visit the farmer’s market. This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy local farmer’s markets or fruit & vegetables stands. Produce is at its peak and is delicious & healthy.
4. Set a schedule. Summer can be a time to sleep in, watch too much TV and play too many video games. Create a daily schedule to keep your kids on track. Also make sure they wake up and go to bed around the same time of day.
5. Visit the library. Summer is a great time to enjoy the local library and catch up on some reading for pleasure. Set a reading goal for your child. Can they master a book a week? Lets see!
6. Create a “I’m Bored List” — Create a list with your child at the beginning of the summer of fun, electronic-free things to do like visit a museum, library, playground, or take a walk and explore a new neighborhood. When your child says “I’m bored,” grab the list and enjoy a fun activity!
7. Keep the social media at home. Consider leaving the smartphones at home when you head out to activities. Make sure your child isn’t spending too much time on social media during the summer.
8. Remember pool safety. Make sure kids are never swimming alone and there is always a lifeguard present.
9. Have a picnic dinner! Mix things up and have a picnic dinner outside at the park with your family. Let them help you create the menu and help with the cooking if they are able to so that they can feel a part of the process.
10. Check out the local zoo. This is a great time to learn more about animals and their habitats. Enjoy the educational tours and guides as well to have both a fun and educational day.
11. Plan ahead for check-ups. Don’t get lost in the rush to get a doctor appointment before the school year starts. Book one early by visiting: http://www.chnnyc.org/patients/appointments
12. And don’t forget the dentist! After a summer full of ice cream & popsicles, it’s important to get your kids in for a cleaning before the first day of school.
