A child's early years build the groundwork for their overall well-being, for healthy kids lead to healthy adults. The health and fitness decisions made during a person's formative years can significantly impact their future health, happiness, and productivity. Childhood is a time of tremendous growth and transformation.
The first step is to ensure that your child stays healthy by providing them with the appropriate nutrition and ensuring they do regular exercise. It can prevent general problems, such as malnutrition, ensuring that your child reaches their developmental milestones on time. Physically active children have stronger muscles and bones, are less likely to gain weight, and have a lower lifetime chance of developing health complications like childhood obesity and the associated chronic diseases (1). Health and exercise also improve a child's mental and emotional well-being (2).
The link between physical exercise and academic success is evidence of the all-encompassing benefits of fitness and health. However, the importance of children's health extends beyond a person. When young people learn the value of exercise and health, they frequently grow up to promote these ideals in their communities. They can influence their friends, family, and eventually, their offspring, spreading a culture of health awareness. Additionally, healthier children mean lower healthcare expenditures in the long run as the child becomes less prone to several childhood illnesses (3).
The child’s health can be affected by poor appetite as well. Some children tend to show conditions that may lead to unintentional weight loss, affecting their overall well-being. You may either notice fussiness in the child during mealtimes or odd eating habits, such as the development of pica. A healthy diet will ensure your child’s immune system is strong enough to fight severe infections and avoid seasonal illnesses.
Older children also challenge their parents as they tend to resist authority and try to do things they are told not to do. Disciplining the child in such cases becomes a chore, but patience and consistent efforts are the key, along with ensuring you see things from the child’s perspective to understand and guide better.
Besides these major health and fitness concerns, our collection of posts in this category also acquaints you with concerns about the child’s sleeping habits, including unusual sleep disorders, such as night sweats. Keep this category guide handy for reference, for each article can come in handy at different times and various notable milestones of your child’s development.
Maintain open and regular communication with your child and allow them to freely express their feelings and worries to keep them mentally healthy. Ensure they have a fixed schedule, a healthy diet, and enough sleep. Spend enough time together as a family each day so that the child feels secure and confident to share any concerns weighing them mentally.
How do I know my child is healthy?
‹
A healthy child will show consistent health statuses of physical and mental health. The child will show fewer illnesses and display timely achievement of developmental milestones. If you notice something amiss, you may check if your child is feeling unwell and concern a healthcare provider accordingly.
When should I be worried about my child's health?
‹
Parents can refer to a medical expert in case the child exhibits sudden behavioral changes, prolonged inexplicable health problems, developmental delays, and chronic pain.
Santo Marsigliante et al.; (2023); Effects on Children’s Physical and Mental Well-Being of a Physical-Activity-Based School Intervention Program: A Randomized Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915543/
