Keeping Your Child Healthy This Summer
A fun summer is all part of childhood. It’s a time where there’s no school and a seemingly endless play date in the sun. For some, it means vacations, for others, it’s summer camp. For teenagers, it might mean starting a summer job. Either way and at any age in childhood, kids are at a greater risk for the common health pitfalls of the season, such as dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn.
While the foundations of a healthy lifestyle remain the same, here are a few ways summer can affect your child’s health.
- Sleep
Kids of all ages need sleep to refresh, re-energize, and grow healthy bodies. Even missing 30 to 60 minutes of sleep can have an impact. While the summer can seem like the perfect time to go to bed late and sleep in, a consistent bedtime is an essential healthy sleep habit. If you do choose to extend your child’s bedtime, be sure to ease into it and out of it when school is on the horizon.
- Diet
Childhood obesity continues to be a real issue across the nation. Summer is a particularly risky time as it’s often prone to a diet of fast food, ice cream, and barbecue food. Be mindful of keeping your child’s plate full of vegetables and seasonal fruit. For lunches and snacks, consider providing a salad, fruit salad, veggie chips, a fruit smoothie, a veggie stuffed pita, and always have fresh veggies ready for snacking.
- Play
Playing outside benefits physical and mental health – and is fun for children! There are plenty of ways to get your kid involved in outdoor activities this summer. Whether it’s a summer camp, swimming, hiking, or camping as a family. When you’re outside, remember to reapply sunscreen and keep your child in the shade during the hottest parts of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Keep them hydrated by providing plenty of water, too.
Summertime is a season of fun in the sun! For any questions about your child’s health, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates. Our Orange County pediatric surgeons are experts at keeping your kids happy and healthy!