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Building blocks for healthy children

By Ann Douglas

Sadly for many new parents, babies don't come with a book of instructions.

When it comes to figuring out the do's and don'ts of caring for a newborn, it's pretty much a case of learn as you go, and hope for the best. Advice from well-meaning friends and family can certainly help, but I still get questions from lots of new parents about the babycare basics

Luckily, there are a few key building blocks that can have a potentially big impact on the overall health and well-being of children. Put them together, and they can build a solid foundation for the future.

Immunization
I'll never forget the scary moments when my third child was rushed to the hospital with a high fever that was eventually diagnosed as viral meningitis. He was lucky – he didn't have any lasting effects from his illness, and is now a healthy and happy 14-year-old. There are other infectious diseases, however, that can be deadly, and are preventable.

Today, parents in Canada have access to a host of vaccines - the tools needed to help prevent serious illnesses, including pneumococcal disease, meningitis and chicken pox. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child's health. Immunization is one of the best strategies to prevent serious illnesses before they happen. Parents should speak with their doctor about the routine immunization schedule, including new vaccines like Prevnar.

Healthy Eating
The number of children who are overweight or obese is reaching unprecedented levels – between 1981 and 1996, the number of overweight boys tripled and overweight girls doubled1. One recent study of Nova Scotia grade five children found that 32.9% were overweight and 9.9% obese2. Obese children often grow up to be obese adults – and potential victims of a number of obesity-related diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Smart eating can help our children stay within a healthy weight range.

  • Quick Tips
    • Eat together as a family
      • Can increase the odds that your kids are eating healthier meals
      • Can help you encourage eating the five servings of fruits and vegetables encouraged by Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating
    • Start a habit of regular, healthy meals and snacks
      • Make breakfast a priority
      • Try cheese and crackers, a fruit smoothie or a bowl of cereal for a quick, healthy snack

Physical Fitness
Gone are the days we parents remember of running around outside until the streetlights went on. Canadian kids today are a more sedentary lot, with frequent television watching and the rising popularity of computer games each contributing to the problem. Getting fit can be beneficial for the entire family – and can be a great habit for kids to develop early on to set them up for a healthier life.

Ann Douglas is a mother of four and the author of the popular Mother of All series, including The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, The Mother of All Toddler Books, The Mother of All Parenting Books and The Mother of All Pregnancy Organizers.

Copyright © 2005


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1 Tremblay, M.T. et al. Temporal trends in overweight and obesity in Canada 1981 - 1996. International Journal of Obesity. April 2002. Vol 26 (4). http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v26/n4/abs/0801923a.html

2 Veugelers, P.J., Fitzgerald, A.L. Prevalence of and risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity. CMAJ. Sept. 13, 2005. 173(6). http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/173/6/607