Child Health Day
Today is the first Monday of October, meaning National Child Health Day has arrived! This special day has been recognized since the year 1928, and it’s observed to bring attention to the care all children require to lead healthy lives.
Have you thought of how you might choose to celebrate this on October 4th? Whether you’re a relative, family friend, or educator of children, here are some ideas for promoting the wellbeing of the sprouting ones!
Make Health Fun!
Physically Active Play
Go to the playground; play sports; any bonding experience that gets the blood flowing and the happiness surging!
Brain Training Games
Challenging the brain will make it stronger! Bring out the puzzles, the board games, and the interactive books!
Art Therapy
This can be done through crafts, music, or art appreciation. Set out some paints or buy a craft kit. Listen to, or make your own, music. Check and see if there’s a children’s art museum in your area!
Relaxation Activities
- If your child would like, try doing yoga together. It will do more than ease the mind; it will also improve your child’s strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Consider scheduling a pediatric massage. Children can reap its relaxing benefits too!
- Have a spa day! Though most spas (with the exception of nail salons) won’t treat anyone under age 16, there are recipes for making your own child-friendly facials at home!
Other Ways to Observe the Day
While making health fun is a great way to promote children’s wellness, here are the other ways keep the kids strong and healthy:
- Schedule the next routine checkup for your child.
- Keep your child’s vaccinations up to date.
- Set up a pediatric dental appointment.
- Stock the kitchen with vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein sources.
- Encourage children to participate in physically active hobbies.
- Model healthy behaviors. Exercise when you can; set healthy eating examples; treat others with patience and kindness.
Happy Child’s Health Day!
Katrina Jenkins
Author, Licensed Massage Therapist
Katrina Jenkins graduated from Towson University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and worked as a nurse’s aide briefly before pursuing her true passion. She graduated from the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado in April 2016 with honors and completed the Touch of Healers Scholarship Program the following summer. She has been a part of the Moyer Total Wellness Team since the summer of 2017.
Resources
National Day Calendar. (n.d.). NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY – First Monday in October. [online] Available at: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-child-health-day-first-monday-in-october/.
Saha, R. (2016). How To Make A Homemade Face Mask For Kids? [online] MomJunction. Available at: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/how-to-make-a-homemade-face-mask-for-kids_00387970/.
Photo Credit
Photo Credit: Canva by kdshutterman