It's
a parents' job first and foremost to take care of their children. This means
providing and raising children in a healthy and safe environment and providing
the best care possible. Raising healthy kids begins with having a healthy
pregnancy. Having a drug and alcohol free pregnancy in conjunction with a
balanced diet and exercise is definitely the best start to raising healthy
kids. Many women believe that drinking in late trimesters is not harmful to the
baby, but according to the CDC, there is no safe amount of alcohol a woman can
drink while pregnant. The best way to avoid dangerous complications such as
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is by completely abstaining from alcohol throughout the
pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
is a great way to give infants a healthy head start. The CDC recommends
breastfeeding as the ideal form of feeding and caring for infants. Breast milk
provides infants with an array of nutrients and antioxidants necessary to
develop a strong immune system.
It is
also important to make sure children are receiving all necessary vaccinations
and checkups. Vaccinations prevent against avoidable diseases and checkups
ensure children are healthy and reaching the necessary growth checkpoints.
Providing
a healthy balanced diet is an obvious must when raising healthy kids. Diets
that are rich in fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and
minerals essential for growth. It is extremely important that children are
receiving the essential nutrients to grow and develop properly.
Though
fast food can be convenient in a busy world, it is important to establish
healthy eating habits at a young age. Child obesity is a growing problem that
just leads to further heath issues with age including heart disease, diabetes,
and certain cancers. Avoiding fast food restaurants and poor eating habits is
especially important for children to ensure future healthy eating patterns.
Having a
regular exercise routine is also a very important part of raising healthy kids.
Involving kids in organized sports is often extremely enjoyable for children
and beneficial in many ways. Sports provide a great and entertaining way to
promote exercise. Organized sports also help children develop socialization
skills. Active children often turn into active adults when regular exercise
patterns are established at a young age.
And
lastly, it is most important for parents to lead by example. Children learn by
observation, so it is important for parents to represent a healthy active
lifestyle for their children to follow, while constantly and consistently
providing love and support for their children.
Neville
Street is the Administrative Director for Rodriquez MD, a bilingual medical
practice in Lawrenceville, GA that provides health care to infants, children,
adolescents and adults. Gwinnett doctors Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez are
sisters with a combined 27 years of experience. The doctors are Board Certified
in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and both Gwinnett physicians have
extensive experience working in private practice.
For more
information visit: http://www.lawrenceville-doctors.com