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Keeping your family healthy is a prime concern for all parents. However, getting them to take responsibility for their own health is learned behavior that begins in early life. If you want your children to engage in habits that will help to keep them healthy throughout their lives, begin by being a good example. You can start by educating them on the actions that contribute to good health and by engaging in these positive behaviors as a family. Here are just a few areas where early habits can pay off in better health throughout your life.
1 – Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Obesity is a growing problem both among adults and among children. The reasons for this problem are complex, but they involve greater consumption of processed foods, less walking and other exercises in everyday life, and more time spent at computers and other electronic devices. Obesity is one of the chief causes of type-2 diabetes, which can cause a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney impairment and vision problems. If you and your family are aware of the problems caused by being overweight, you are more likely to take active steps to remedy the problem. Even very small children can be taught the difference between healthy foods and unhealthy foods. Each family member can be instrumental in keeping everyone focused on choosing healthier options. In addition, you can encourage more exercise by taking walks together, setting up impromptu softball games, bicycling on a Sunday afternoon and other physical activities.
2 – Avoiding Cardiovascular Disease
Heart health is a major concern that should begin early in life to avoid the bad habits that can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Eating a healthy diet, rich in leafy, green vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, nuts and healthy oils like olive oil and canola, will help to keep your weight in the normal range, lower your bad cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Staying active is also an important part of maintaining heart health because the heart is a muscle that gets stronger with regular exercise. Your regular exercise regime also improves circulation of blood and nutrients through the body to ensure overall good health. Encourage your family to engage in whatever exercise they like to do, whether it is playing a sport, running, swimming, bicycling or working out at the gym. Good dental hygiene throughout your life can also ensure your cardiovascular health because the bacteria that causes tartar and plaque on teeth has been linked to higher rates of heart disease. Your regular visits to the local dentist, like this dental care in Somerset New Jersey, will help to ensure better cardiovascular health.
3 – Keeping Joints Healthy
Joint health begins in childhood when you learn to enjoy being active and athletic. However, both children and adults must learn to take care of the joints of their body, which can become injured and lead to lifelong problems. Small injuries received during athletic activities or while playing should be properly cared for, to avoid long-term joint problems. Eating right, exercising to keep muscles strong and visiting the doctor when a small joint problem occurs can help you to maintain joint health throughout your life.
4 – Avoiding Respiratory Problems
Good respiratory health is another important factor in maintaining good physical condition throughout your life. Many children have been diagnosed with asthma that can cause severe breathing problems. Your pediatrician can provide effective treatments to manage this condition to prevent long-term lung impairment. Simple actions like ensuring adequate ventilation when working with strong chemical and cleaners and getting medical treatment for respiratory infections can help to ensure good respiratory health in the future.
Maintaining good health throughout your life starts with healthy habits started at an early age. You and your family can make these habits part of your everyday life, motivated by the knowledge that the actions taken today will have long-ranging effects. Talk to your children about healthy habits and engage in these activities together. You will find that your children will maintain these good habits well into adulthood.
