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Health & Fitness

Keep Your Kids Healthy!

  The school year is swiftly approaching which means your child will be exposed to new friends, knowledge, and germs! Everyday Health has put together a few tips on how to educate your children on staying healthy this school year so they can sit in class instead of the doctor’s office:
Hand-washing: Washing your hands is a simple and effective way to help prevent illness, such as colds, flu, and food poisoning.Remind your children they should avoid close contact with classmates who are sneezing or coughing and to wash their hands after playing outside, before eating, or after using the bathroom-with hot, soapy water.

Breakfast = Better Performance: Eating a balanced breakfast improves a child's ability to concentrate and perform in school as well as increases the chances of an overall healthier diet. Healthy options include whole grain, low-sugar cereal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit, or a yogurt berry parfait with granola. 

Stick to a sleep schedule: Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for proper brain function. According to the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers age 3 to 5 need about 11 to 13 hours of sleep every night; children age 5 to 12 need around 10 to 11 hours of sleep; and adolescents need 8.5 to 9.25 hours per night. Set a strict bed time during the school year so they can be refreshed and ready to go for the school day.
Drink Water: Children should aim to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and  even more when exercising or outside in hot weather. Buying a reusable bottle with their favorite character on it can help remind them to drink throughout the day.  Be sure to pack an extra bottle of water before dropping them off at their sports practice as well.
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