Teaching our children about a healthy lifestyle begins with leading by example. When you can, include your child in the preparation of healthy meals and your regular exercise routine. In addition to having healthy habits, explain why you
do things the way you do. Explain to your child that taking good care of her body means getting lots of exercise; plenty of rest; eating good, healthy foods; and practicing good hygiene.

• Regular, adequate sleep helps the body maintain energy to fend off germs, and rest also helps the body repair itself after a germ attack.Young children need 10–13 hours of sleep a night.


• Good nutrition gives the body’s cells the building blocks for ongoing health. Healthy cells help protect against bad germs. Lots of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains are important for children.


• Everybody needs plenty of fluids throughout the day. Drink lots of water. When well hydrated, blood carries germ-fighting cells more efficiently and effectively, and breathing passages are protected with a layer of moisture.


• Daily exercise keeps the body’s system in good working order.


• Children benefit from daily time outdoors, even in the winter. There’s a smaller concentration of germs outdoors, and while moist breathing passages
  help repel germs, dry indoor air dries out breathing passages.

Please download these fun posters to help your child learn healthy habits.