Key facts
- There are many benefits to prioritising health and physical activity for children, such as weight control, strong bones, increased self-esteem, and improved concentration.
- Sleep is just as important as movement to maintain your child’s health.
- Do fun activities with your child to support their well-being and strengthen your bond.
- Taking out private health insurance can help maintain your child’s health and ensure they’re covered for emergencies while reducing medical costs.
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Why is it important to prioritise my child’s health
While this may seem self-explanatory, making your child’s overall health and well-being a significant duty in your life has more benefits than you would originally think. Physical activity, healthy eating, and destressing habits will benefit your child in the present and help set them up for a strong and healthy future. Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular fitness, help to maintain a healthy weight, and improve posture. In addition, it can lead to better sleep patterns, increased self-esteem and confidence, and improved concentration. Furthermore, physical activity can help with relaxation and provide a much-needed outlet for energy.
Top 5 healthy things to do with kids
There is an extensive list of activities to do with your children and the whole family, from routine creating to physical activity. Below are the top five most effective and important things to ensure their health and well-being.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep: Children need more sleep than adults for growth, learning, and development. A good night’s sleep helps your child concentrate, behave better, and feel happier. Establish a bedtime routine, create a peaceful sleep environment, and ensure they get 9-12 hours of sleep per night.
- Encourage them to eat healthy foods: Involve your kids in preparing and serving healthy meals. This encourages good nutrition, helps them practice important skills like reading and measuring, and provides a fun bonding experience. Cooking together can create lasting memories and strengthen family relationships.
- Get them active and moving: Children benefit from at least one hour of activity daily. Exercise can be fun and varied, like dancing, hiking, playing ball games, or climbing trees. Movement is beneficial for both the mind and body.
- Teach them how to stay safe and healthy: Teach children about safety and health from an early age. They should learn how to stay safe in various settings, avoid accidents, and understand healthy eating and exercise habits. As they grow, provide more information about specific health concerns and disease prevention.
- Help them manage stress and anxiety: Teach children how to manage stress and anxiety. Encourage breaks for play or relaxation, limit screen time, and promote open expression of feelings. These skills are crucial for their happiness and success.
Investing in private health insurance for your child
No parent wants to see their child fall sick, but unfortunately, most of us will inevitably have to face it at some stage. And when it does happen, it can be an incredibly stressful time. Not only do you have to worry about your child’s well-being, but you also have to navigate the labyrinthine healthcare system to get them the treatment they need.
If you have private health coverage, then you at least have the comfort of knowing that you can take them to see the specialist of your choice rather than having to wait for a public appointment. And in some cases, faster treatment can make all the difference. Of course, private health coverage for children is a significant financial investment, and it’s not right for everyone. But if you feel like it’s something that would give you peace of mind, then it could well be worth the cost.
How to choose children’s health cover
- Review the excess charges. Some policies charge more for specific treatments. Be sure to check which services these are.
- Be on the lookout for discounts. Some private health insurers offer attractive discounts for child dependants.
- Review the coverage age. Generally, policies only allow children dependents up to the age of 24. Extra costs may apply if your child remains on your policy for longer.
- Think about Extras. While a Hospital policy ensures your kid is covered for in-hospital treatments, you may want to consider getting cover for services like dental and optical.
Should I get family health insurance?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get family health insurance depends on your individual circumstances. If you have young children and you’re concerned about being able to afford medical care in the event of an emergency, then getting family health insurance may be a wise decision. However, if you’re healthy and don’t expect to need much medical care, then you may be better off opting for a basic plan.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What activities can healthy kids do?
You can do many activities to engage your kids in physical and fun activities and help boost their health and happiness. A simple walk in nature does wonders for the body and mind, or you can go to the beach for a day of swimming. Another activity is to join a dance class or organise a family dance-off at home. You can also cook a big, nourishing meal together to teach your kid about nutrition and inspire them to eat healthily.
What do Active Healthy kids in Australia do?
Kids need to be active every day to maintain their health and well-being. For heart health, they should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily. This doesn’t have to be all at once – it can be spread throughout the day. There are many things healthy kids can do to get active. They could go for a bushwalk in the nearby park or nature reserve, visit a zoo, wildlife park, or aquarium, swim at the beach or pool, have a picnic in the park, ride bikes or go for a walk around their neighbourhood, and play games such as tag, catch, hopscotch, and foursquare. Being active is important for kids’ physical and mental health, so encourage them to get moving every day.
How much exercise do children need a day Australia?
It’s recommended that children require at least one hour of exercise or physical activity a day. This does not have to be all in one go but rather spread throughout the day. For example, it can be a morning walk, a bike ride after lunch, and a dance party before bedtime. Get creative and involved with your children to encourage regular activity.
How many children are inactive?
According to the World Health Organization, as much as 80 per cent of children between the ages of 11 and 17 are either inactive or not active enough.
How much sleep do kids need in Australia?
Sleep plays an important role in human growth and development, and this is especially true for children. During sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which helps to facilitate physical growth. In addition, sleep helps to consolidate memories and promote learning. While the amount of sleep each child needs will vary depending on age, most experts recommend that school-aged children get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night.
How do you keep a child fit and healthy?
It is important to keep your child fit and healthy. There are many ways to do this. Some ways are more fun than others. Here are some ideas: Get them involved in a sport, go for walks or bike rides together, turn up the music and have a dance party in your living room, have family races, and get some exercise equipment for the house, like a trampoline or a jump rope.
How can I improve my child’s physical health?
First and foremost, model healthy behaviour yourself. Eat nutritious meals and snacks, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Secondly, make sure your home is safe and conducive to physical activity. Remove hazards like loose rugs or stairs, and create a space for active play. Finally, take advantage of opportunities to be active together as a family. Go for walks or bike rides, play catch in the park, or dance around the living room. Taking these steps can help your child develop lifelong habits that will lead to a happy and healthy life.