Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to ensure that children stay healthy and happy. Here are some general tips to help you navigate the festivities while keeping your little ones in good health:

Maintain a Balanced Diet:

• While it’s tempting to indulge in holiday treats, make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, protein and whole grains in your child’s diet.
• Offer healthier snack options like very thinly sliced apples, hummus and plain yogurt.

Stay Active:

• Encourage outdoor activities like playing in the park, going for family walks, or participating in holiday-themed games.
• Regular exercise has many benefits including impacting academic performance, brain health, muscular fitness, heart and lung health, cardiometabolic health, long-term health, bone strength, and measures of a healthy weight.

Practice Good Hygiene:

• Teach your children the importance of washing their hands frequently, especially before eating and after playing.
• Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not available.

Get Enough Sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even during the holidays.
• Assure your child gets adequate sleep to help maintain overall well-being. Lack of sleep is associated with multiple health and academic consequences.

Stay Warm:

• Dress your children in layers to protect them from the cold weather.
• Ensure they wear insulated boots, mittens or gloves and a hat when outdoors.

Manage Stress:

The holidays can be stressful for everyone, including children.
Initiate conversations about the season. Take this opportunity to talk to your child about the different holiday traditions that are celebrated by family and friends . It is important to teach open-mindedness about others and their celebrations.

Keep Up with Vaccinations:

• Make sure your child is up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.
• As protection from childhood vaccines wears off, adolescents need vaccines that will extend protection. Adolescents need protection from additional infections as well, before the risk of exposure increases.

Monitor Screen Time:

• Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screens.
• Encourage interactive and creative activities instead.

Drop by your local Optum provider or urgent care center for swift and skilled care, whenever you need it.

Sources:

CDC Healthy Schools, Childhood Nutrition Facts, reviewed August 5, 2022.
Healthychildren.org, Building Balanced Snacks to Feed Toddlers, updated February 22, 2023.
CDC Physical Activity Basics, Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children, April 3, 2024.
American Academy of Pediatrics, Sleep Disorders in Adolescents, May 1, 2020.
Healthychildren.org, Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Safe & Warm, January 12, 2024.
American Psychological Association, Tips for Parents on Managing Holiday Stress, updated November 30, 2023.
CDC Vaccines for Your Children, About Vaccines for your Children, August 9, 2024.
Healthychildren.org, Where We Stand: Screen Time, December 13, 2023.