Child Health Day occurs on the first Monday of October every year, and it serves as a reminder for people to celebrate the commitment made by the government to improve the healthcare of children.
Although many schools and children care organizations partake and observe this day, it is not declared as an official public holiday.
Why Is Child Health Day Important?
In the early nineteenth century, there were very few facilities dedicated to taking care of children’s health problems and advocating for their health rights.
Due to this lack of facilities, children were treated with home remedies that were not tested.
Even though you still go to work on Child Health Day, it is still important for so many reasons. Every agency that is invested in children’s health is actively interacting and educating communities and people on the importance of children’s welfare in the country.
Children’s welfare is a broad term that covers the educational, emotional, physical, mental, and economic problems that children have.
Also, on this day, attention is called to the difficulties children with chronic health issues and disability face and how a solution can be provided.
How Is Child Health Day Celebrated?
There are a vast number of ways this national observance can be celebrated, and it can be a daunting task to want to participate in all the different ways.
Since Child Health Day is a chance to recommit and evaluate your child’s current health, here are seven little ways this goal is achieved worldwide.
By Volunteering
Many youth centers do incredible work when it comes to the healthcare of children. Most of these centers get involved in the cleanup and sanitization of the environment. When the community is cleaner, children benefit directly from it because the environment is safer for them as it is rid of harmful bacteria.
Participating in Events
Several health organizations have events where parents are educated on how they can care for their children.
At these events, health professionals emphasize the importance of regular doctor visitations on their child’s health to allow early detection of illness.
School Health Programs
On Child Health Day, most schools teach their students the benefits of personal hygiene. These health programs give them an insight into what they should eat and how they can boost their immune system.
Incorporating Healthy Food Options
Good nutrition and a balanced diets are important for a child’s health. Research shows eating a lot of unhealthy meals is terrible for your child’s body metabolism. To celebrate this day, healthy and tasty food options can be introduced into children’s diets.
By Donating to Charities
There are several charities and non-profit organizations involved in creating awareness of children’s health issues. The vision of these organizations is to work on improving the children’s health care sector. Most of these non-profits lack the required funds to achieve their vision. As a way of celebrating Child Health Day, most people donate to these charities to show their support for children to have healthy lives.
A Trip to The Doctor’s Office
Since the focus of this day is improving children’s health, a visit to the doctor’s office can be an educative experience. This is necessary so that people will have first-hand knowledge of how to support families that experience pediatric illness.
How to Spend Child Health Day at Home
The health of children is of primary importance to the society. If you do not have the luxury of attending the events and activities held by organizations to celebrate Child Health Day, you can still spend it in your house’s comfort. The key is to engage in fun activities that are interactive for your child.
As Child Health Day approaches, here are six ways you and your family can celebrate this day.
Preparing Nutritious Meals
It is very simple to prepare nutritious meals for your children; you just need to ensure that their diet should include more fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and protein.
When you ensure that these are everyday meal options, it will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help develop your child’s body. However, it is important to know that your is child likely to stick to this habit if you and your family are more health-conscious.
General Family Activities
It is recommended that children should spend a minimum of an hour every day doing physical activities.
At home, encourage them to participate in these activities. You can make these family activities interesting by introducing games and dances in between breaks.
If you want to improve your child’s physical fitness, you should make these activities a regular activity.
Reduce the Screen Time of Your Children
The time kids spend in front of a computer or television screen is connected to them becoming obese. Understandably, televisions are a great babysitting tool for children, but it is also detrimental to their health. To care for their eyes, limit their screen time to at most two hours a day, or you can use a better substitute. The television substitute can be reading, solving puzzles, or engaging them in outdoor activities.
Involve Children in Meal Preparation
When you engage your child in meal prepping, it teaches them about the type of foods to eat. Children involved in the meal preparation process tend to consume less processed and canned foods.
Encourage Children to Play
Children’s playtime is as important to their development as taking healthy food. When they play, it not only makes them creative, but all the running and jumping around keeps them physically and mentally healthy.
Keep Them Hydrated Throughout the Day
Children’s metabolisms are much faster than adults. You have to ensure that they are always given water, especially due to their high activity level and if they have participated in strenuous physical activities during the day so that they do not become weak and dehydrated.
Conclusion
Children are the future of our economy, and they are among the most vulnerable people in society. On the Child’s Health Day, we hope that you find ways to ensure that children’s health continuously receives awareness, support, and investment.