Kids Facts on How to Stay Healthy

Play Every Day

• Moderately vigorous activity every day keeps muscles strong, reduces weight gain and improves personal health. Kids who embrace this simple rule have a lower risk of developing a variety of disorders when they become older. Just make it clear that this type of activity doesn't involve video games or other forms of screen time. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend kids to do 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily to reap these benefits.

Eat Many Colors

• Nutrition is a complex subject and information about it changes as food scientists learn more about food's properties and how we process what we eat. Though you can't expect kids to understand the details, you can emphasize the importance of "eating many colors" to help them develop the habit of eating a varied diet. Point out that fruits and veggies have the most vibrant colors, while unhealthy foods like white bread and fast food tend to look dull and bland.

Eat With Your Family

• Eating together as a family has a number of benefits. It gives parents an opportunity to discuss what makes a meal healthy and it gives them an opportunity to establish healthier relationships and better communication with family members. According to research discussed in an article on the University of Florida IFAS Extension website, families who eat together are more likely to eat nutritious foods than those who do not eat together.

Drink Water

• An occasional soft drink is fine as a treat, but water should be the default beverage of choice for maintaining optimal weight and health. Though kids might want a soda or a juice box, it's never too early to establish the rule of "Have water unless there's a good reason not to."

Wash Those Hands

• Hand washing is a habit that parents struggle to help children adopt, but that struggle isn't in vain. Washing before meals, after using the restroom and after sneezing or coughing reduces the risk of catching or spreading diseases and infections.