Health education today, is about more than just eating right and exercising. It’s about addressing topics that affect kids in their every day lives.
Physical Activity for Kids
For many children, team sports like footy, cricket, soccer, and basketball enable them to stay physically active on a regular basis. The current trend of adolescents toward a more sedentary lifestyle could contribute to such future health problems as heart disease. And there are psychological as well as physical benefits to keeping fit. Building self-esteem and camaraderie and developing problem-solving skills in a team setting are a few of the bonuses kids receive through team sports.
Children’s Eating Habits
It’s not just adults who need fibre: kids do too. It plays an important role in the body and research shows that those who eat a high fibre diet are more likely to be in the healthy weight range. Getting enough fibre, along with drinking plenty of fluids, can also help to keep children regular – and that, in turn, will keep them behaving like little angels!
Fibre is important for digestive health too. The first way is that the bulk helps to eliminate waste from the body, also “cleaning” the gut of bacteria. There are some bacteria, however, that are produced in the process that are actually beneficial to the gut and digestion. Eating a diet rich in fibre helps to maintain these so-called “friendly” bacteria.
Meals that are high in fibre will make children feel more full, and therefore more satisfied. Even between meals, fibre helps to keep your hunger at bay – it expands in the stomach, creating a sense of fullness.
Importance of Sleep
Good sleeping habits for kids are paramount in maintaining a healthy body. Some sleep interruptions come with the territory. But experts say the best thing people can do for themselves and their children is to develop a regular sleep routine and bedtime for youngsters so that they get used to falling asleep on their own. Experts say school-age children generally need 9-12 hours of sleep each night.