The Healthy Child

Did You Know?

Here are ways to help keep your preschooler safe:

Tell your child not to play in the street or run into the street after a ball or toy.
Have your child ride his or her tricycle on the sidewalk, not in the street.
Maintain your outdoor play equipment, watching out for loose parts and sharp edges.
Teach your child how to swim.
Teach your child how and when to interact with strangers.

Physical Development
Physical growth affects different parts of your child's body at different rates. Ultimately, growth is complete between ages 16 and 18.

Nutrition and Eating
A child's nutritional needs vary as he or she grows and develops. But starting good eating habits in infancy will help set healthy eating patterns for life.

Dental Care
Good oral hygiene should begin when your child is an infant and continue throughout childhood. Children should have their first dental exam around their first birthday.

Hearing, Speech, and Language
Children develop speech, language, and hearing skills at different ages. Talk with your child's health care provider if you suspect that your child is not developing speech and language skills correctly.

Vision Care
Up to 20 percent of children have some type of vision problem. They can be far-sighted or near-sighted - or have astigmatism, crossed eyes, or lazy eye.

Sports Safety and Injuries
Sports are a great way to encourage regular physical activity in children. To prevent injuries, though, make sure they wear appropriate safety gear.

Activities and Exercise
Children don't have to play competitive sports to be fit. They do need regular, vigorous exercise - preferably activities they enjoy.

About Sleep
Children need their sleep. Without adequate rest, they can find it difficult to solve problems and memorize lessons, which can lower grades and self-esteem.

Safety and Injury Prevention
Keep your children safe at home, at play, and on the go. "Child-proof" your house, buy age-appropriate toys, and always buckle them into a safety seat in the car.