Keeping Your Kids' Health on Track this Summer

Melanie Cole's Health Radio - RadioMD.com

Summer is underway and the kids are out of school.
Without the rigors of school scheduling, it’s easy for kids to get lazy and raid the pantry. How can you keep your kids' health on track over the summer?
Physical Activity
Your kid may need motivation to go outside. Encourage him to learn a new sport or practice a new activity outside. Childhood habits become healthy behavior in adults. Put your child in summer camp if you can afford it since summer camp provides structure and lots of activities.
Nutrition
To curb the summer gorging, help your child learn when she is full on her own. Don't demand she finishes a plate of food that's filled by an adult before getting evening dessert. Make it okay to have dessert after eating enough healthy dinner. Provide healthy desserts. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks.
Bugs & Ticks
Mosquito concerns are high this year. Dress your child in long pants and sleeves for mosquito protection. Check your kid after outdoor play for ticks. Ticks like to cling inside the sock line, between the fingers and toes, behind the ears and in tender spots. Spray insect repellent on clothing. Don't use a full dose in little kids or on the hands; you don't want bug spray fingers going in tiny mouths.
Sun Safety
Encourage sunscreen usage. SPF sticks are easy for kids to use and encourage good sun habits. Use your own sun damage experiences to urge your older kids to wear sunblock. Gone are the days of slathering in baby oil and spending hours in the sun.
Pools & Beaches
Summertime also encompasses water fun. Keep it fun by practicing water safety. Monitor your kids. Learn CPR in hopes you never have to use it. Put a fence around your swimming pool. Kids who can't swim must wear life jackets in the pool. Everyone must wear a life jacket when boating.
Listen in as Dr. Jennifer Haythe shares tips to keep your kid healthy this summer.