Maintain Healthy Habits In the New School Year

The temperatures are starting to fall, and buses have arrived to send area kids back to school.

Each year, articles are published with tips to help kids feel their best about performance. Healthy habits can also reduce issues for parents now and in the future. Parents are more comfortable having proactive conversations regarding their child's health. Keeping kids and parents healthy by following healthy habits can inspire enrichment for the whole family.

• Set a routine.
  Establishing a routine provides a sense of predictability and structure, whether in preparing kids for school or parents for work.
   
• Eat three healthy meals a day.
  Eating healthy and preparing balanced meals can help fuel the mind and body for work, learning, and play. Serving size is essential. One slice of bread is a serving. Limit processed foods like chips, fruit snacks, and cookies. Cut up fruits and veggies for easy grabbing when bored. Have a healthy choice, such as handy apple slices or carrot sticks within reach. Adults and kids are famous for skipping meals, which can lead to reduced focus and feeling "hangry" or irritable due to hunger.
   
• Get a move on.
  Humans were made for movement; the more we move, the better we feel. For younger kids, staying active all day long is essential. Encourage evening play activities and outdoor time with reduced screen time for the whole family.
   
• Shut down the screens.
  Computers, tablets, and smartphones are essential tools for work and school. Try to avoid spending the whole day plugged in.
   
• Don't over-schedule.
  Families are incredibly busy these days. They wake up, go to school, and work, with a full day of learning before sports, music lessons, dinner, homework, and other activities. Overpacking schedules will impact quality rest and, ultimately, one's health. Being super-busy is not the key to success. It can be harmful. Make time for self-care and quality time with friends and family.
   
• Stay hydrated.
  Water makes up more than half of the body. To stay hydrated, consider infusing water with berries, lemons, or cucumber to liven up the taste. Prepare healthy snacks that are high in water on hand. Watermelon, strawberries, tomato, and zucchini are all great choices. Individual water intake needs vary; those more physically active must drink additional water to stay hydrated. Remember, we all need water daily, even when the weather is cool.

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