Health and Fitness Article Archive

• Fun Alternatives to Screen Time for Kids and FamiliesKids need at least an hour of physical activity every day, but it is often difficult to tear them away from their electronic devices. One way to get them moving is to play games that are so much fun, kids won’t mind pausing a video game or taking a break from texting.
• 6 Childhood Illnesses That Are Icky, Gross, and Disgusting (but Harmless)They’re unpleasant but exceedingly common. We’re talking about head lice, ringworm, and other “icky” childhood illnesses that are more repugnant than harmful. Here’s how to handle them...and the “yuck” factor.
• 10 Easy Ways Families Can Exercise TogetherTelling kids to “go out and play” doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily get the exercise they need. Pursuing fitness and an active lifestyle as a family, however, shows your child how much you value exercise and fitness, as well as learning new things.
• 9 Ways To Help Your Child Manage PE AnxietyPhysical education classes at school can strike fear and anxiety in the hearts of many children. If yours is one, these tips will help your child address her anxieties and learn to manage anxious situations.
• Help Your Child Deal With GriefAs a parent, helping your grieving child is difficult and complicated. Our experts offer answers about talking with his teacher, helping him inform his peers, and using activities to draw out his feelings.
• Screen Time: Finding the Right Balance for Your ChildOur experts offer wise guidance about how much time kids should be spending on the computer, in front of the TV, or playing video games.
• Outdoor Winter Activities To Enjoy With Your KidsIt may be snowy and chilly in most parts of the country during wintertime, but that’s no reason for you and your child to remain indoors.
• Playground Safety: Tips for ParentsSupervision, quality equipment, and common sense mean fun—and safety—for all.
• Make School Sick Days Less StressfulUnexpected sick days can throw the whole family for a loop. These tips can help things go more smoothly when your child is too ill to go to school.
• Handling Head LiceHead lice happens. Here’s what you should know if your child or others at school become infested.
• Does My Child Need Antibiotics?Taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons can have a negative effect long-term. Find out when antibiotics will help your child get well and when they won't.
• Less Screen Time Reduces Obesity RiskChildren who balance their TV and computer time with physical activity are far less likely to be overweight.
• Schools Recovering From Swine FluThe spread of the H1N1 flu led hundreds of U.S. schools to close their doors. Parents and students might need to make up that lost time classroom time.
• Glossary of Flu TermsThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides definitions of swine flu and other common flu-related terms.
• Sensible Swine Flu PrecautionsA few simple steps can reduce your family’s chances of contracting H1N1 flu or other types of flu illness. Here’s what you should know about avoiding the flu and treating it if a family member becomes sick.
• Flu Prevention TipsA few commonsense practices can help keep your child (and others) healthy.
• Is it a Cold or the Flu?Although flu and cold share some of the same symptoms, if you know what to look for it's easy to tell them apart.
• Encourage Good Nutrition, Exercise For School SuccessDiets often change as children approach the teen years.
• Encourage Your Child to Be Fit, Active During Teen YearsThe middle school years can set the stage for a healthy body later in life.
• Make Physical Fitness Part of Your Child's Healthy LifestyleSchool “works out” your child’s mind, but what about her body?
• Make Sure Your Middle Schooler Keeps ActiveToo many kids today are overweight and out-of-shape, because they don’t get the exercise they need.
• Teens Can Combine Physical Fitness With Earning MoneyHas your teen become a couch potato?
• Untreated Eye Problems Can Hinder Your Child’s LearningSeptember is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.
• Avoid Overscheduling During the Final Weeks of SchoolAt the end of the school year, children can often become overscheduled.
• Offer Suggestions for Children Who Don’t Like RecessFor many kids, recess or P.E. is their “favorite subject.” But some kids dread this time of the day. It’s when they get teased, left out or picked on.
• Celebrate World Health Day At Home With Your FamilyApril 7 is World Health Day.
• Emphasize Good Nutrition at Home and SchoolOne of the best ways parents can boost their children’s ability to learn is to ensure that they eat healthy meals at home and school.
• Show Kids Why Washing Hands Is Important“Wash your hands before you come to the table.” Parents have been saying that for generations. Here’s a science experiment that will make your kids want to wash their hands.
• Keep Kids Fit This SummerThere are many ways parents can get their children—even reluctant ones—to stay active.
• Get Your Kids To ExerciseRegular activity helps children do better in school. Use these creative ideas to add some physical movement to their day.
• Feeling Sick? When To Stay HomeWith all the stomachaches and sniffles that come along with childhood, it can be hard to know when to keep a sick child home from school.
• Outsmart Gym GermsIt may sound crazy, but without good hygiene, exercising can actually be hazardous to your health.
• Preventing the Common ColdGood hygiene and a few healthy habits can greatly reduce kids' risk of catching a cold—or giving one to someone else.