When you have kids, the first thing you want to do is to protect them. Your decisions will therefore play an influential role in that regard. Meanwhile, a World Health Organization report has stated that children develop better physically, mentally, and emotionally in healthy homes. As a parent, you play a critical role in ensuring your child’s health and well-being, starting at home. Here are three crucial health tips to remember when you have minors at home.
- Encourage physical activity
Physical activity is essential for children’s health and development. The WHO recommends that children aged 5-17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and strengthens bones and muscles. With increasing cases of unhealthy weight in children, it is imperative to take measures in the interest of your young ones. To avoid making physical activity look like a disliked chore, incorporate it into family times. For example, bike rides, active games like tag or hide-and-seek, family walks, and so on are excellent ways to get your children to love physical activity. By deliberately limiting your kids’ screen time, you can engage them in more active pursuits.
- Practice pest control
The home is a sanctuary for you and the family. However, sometimes some uninvited guests crawl within your walls or scurry around on any surface. These pests pose serious health risks to you and your family. However, children are the most at risk because of their still-developing immune systems. Mice, rats, and cockroaches carry diseases, trigger allergies and asthma, and contaminate food and open surfaces in your home. As a parent, effective pest control is critical to protect your child’s health at home. One way to ensure pest control is by keeping your home clean and tidy. Regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove crumbs and debris that can attract pests.
Additionally, seal up any cracks or gaps in your home to prevent pests from entering. It is also helpful to store food in airtight containers and properly dispose of garbage and recyclables. You can hire a professional control service to manage infestations. All you need to do is to type pest control near me to access the closest one.
- Build their immune system with proper nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for children’s growth and development. A diet including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats ensures your child gets the required nutrients to grow and thrive. As your child’s immune system grows, it builds resistance against infections. Therefore, pediatricians recommend at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily instead of sugary drinks and highly-processed snacks. Sugary foods and drinks contribute to obesity, tooth decay, and other avoidable health problems. As your child’s primary caregiver, provide healthy food choices at home. Indeed, there may be the temptation to opt for quick snacks pulled off the shelves. However, offer water, freshly-squeezed fruit, or milk as a beverage choice. The more you do this, the less likely your child will crave unhealthy foods.
