Healthy Living Tips for Kids | Utah Valley Pediatrics

Talk to your child about drinking as early as 9 years old June 28, 2016

Article at a Glance The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you talk to your child about the dangers of drinking as early as 9 years old. Help your children understand the dangers of drinking and teach them “media literacy” techniques. Because teens and children are smaller than adults, it takes fewer drinks for them … Continue reading “Talk to your child about drinking as early as 9 years old”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles, Teens | Tagged alcohol, middle childhood, substance abuse

Drop in ear infection rates attributed to vaccines, breastfeeding, and a reduction in smoking June 13, 2016

Article at a glance: The percentage of babies who get an ear infection has dropped in the last 20 years. Doctors believe the decrease is due to the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, flu vaccines, an increase in breastfeeding, and a decrease in smoking. According to a recent study, fewer babies are getting ear … Continue reading “Drop in ear infection rates attributed to vaccines, breastfeeding, and a reduction in smoking”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Immunizations, Infants, Pediatric Articles | Tagged ear infections, ear nose & throat, infants

Nurturing a healthy body image November 16, 2015

Article at a Glance

Having a healthy body image means you feel comfortable in your own skin and don’t fixate on your imperfections.
When people suffer from a negative body image, it can put them at risk for things like depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.
By being a good example, teaching our children how to be media savvy, and focusing on their strengths, we can help them develop a healthy body image.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles, Teens | Tagged body image, girls, teens, tweens

Changing our sleep culture August 3, 2015

Article at a Glance

Students who don’t get enough sleep don’t perform as well and are more prone to symptoms of depression.
Sleep deprivation can impair your driving as much as driving intoxicated.
We need to change how we perceive sleep and help make it more of a priority in schools and at home.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles, School | Tagged bedtime, early childhood, sleeping

Planning an active vacation May 18, 2015

Article at a Glance

Reduce distractions by unplugging from electronic devices.
Be brave and reach outside your comfort zone to try something new.
Be sure to make time for naps or a little rest to recharge everybody's batteries.
When planning your vacation look for things you can do in the area that are active, whether it is a walking tour of the city or a hike in the great outdoors.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles, Spring/Summer Tips | Tagged exercise, parenting, summer

Sleeping with a smartphone can disrupt your child’s sleep February 16, 2015

Article at a Glance

Children who sleep with a smartphone or tablet in their room get less sleep and report feeling less well-rested than those who don’t.
Having a TV in the bedroom also contributed to less sleep, but had less effect than a small screen device.
Sleep plays an important role in a child’s mental and physical development.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles | Tagged screens, sleeping, teens, tweens

Taking Care of our Children’s Teeth October 13, 2014

Article at a Glance

Our dental health can affect our overall health.
Good dental hygiene should start before the first teeth even show up.
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they are very important and need to be taken care of.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles | Tagged dental, early childhood, middle childhood, teeth

Dieting at a Young Age Can Lead to Obesity, Alcohol Abuse, and Eating Disorders September 8, 2014

Article at a Glance

The younger a girl starts to diet, the more likely she is to have an eating disorder, to be obese or overweight, or to have problems with alcohol abuse.
Parents should avoid using diets as a way to help their children manage their weight.
Parents should instead focus on helping their daughters foster a positive body image and teaching them how to make healthy choices.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles | Tagged alcohol, clean eating, middle childhood, obesity, teens, tweens, weight management

Should My Child Take a Multi-Vitamin? December 30, 2013

Article at a Glance Most children do not need a multivitamin, but it doesn’t do any harm for them to take one. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that children take a vitamin D supplement. Treat vitamins like you would medicine. Taken in large quantities they can be toxic. According to the American Academy … Continue reading “Should My Child Take a Multi-Vitamin?”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles | Tagged medicine, nutrition

Is Your Child Overscheduled? December 23, 2013

Article at a Glance There is no “right” level of activity. It depends largely on your child and your family. Children who are overscheduled will show symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and over tiredness. Don’t let external pressures influence how much your child is involved in. Focus on what is right for your child. … Continue reading “Is Your Child Overscheduled?”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged anxiety, middle childhood, parenting, stress, teens, tweens

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