It can take as little as 18 days to develop a habit – good or otherwise – so it’s important that we start children off on the right foot by instilling healthy habits in their everyday lifestyle, so they can carry these habits with them well into adulthood. We know children have impressionable minds, so, as a community, it’s the role of health professionals and guardians to encourage healthy behaviour. Here, Retail Pharmacy Assistants looks at how parents and/or guardians can help entrench healthy habits in kids.
Health in childhood sets up health in adulthood, says Dr James Best, Chair of the Child and Young Person Health Network at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Encouraging healthy behaviour in children is particularly important around early childhood psychological and mental health, he says, as well as establishing healthy habits such as “a good diet, regular exercise, avoiding sun exposure and maintaining a healthy weight”.
He adds that health issues can develop if these habits aren’t learned early on.
“If a child isn’t taught to prioritise health, then it’s more likely they’re going to have health issues both in childhood and forward into adulthood,” he said.
Healthy habits to teach
Dr Best lists some of the crucial habits to be encouraged in children’s lives to strengthen their immunity:
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Keeping physically active.
- Staying sun safe.
- Maintaining good dental care.
- Engaging with regular check-ups
- Having a regular sleep routine.
“Immunity will be boosted by having the childhood vaccinations as recommended on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Schedule, including yearly influenza vaccinations,” Dr Best said.
“Children without specific underlying health conditions who have a healthy diet don’t need any vitamins or other supplements for good health and immunity.”
Teach by doing
Dr Best says the best strategy for parents or guardians to encourage healthy behaviour in their children is to lead by example.
“That is, by leading a healthy lifestyle yourself,” he said. “Children will observe this, and it will strongly influence behaviour regarding health issues both in childhood and beyond.
“Also, as a parent you get to choose what your children eat and drink, and what activities they’re given the opportunity to do. By giving them the best health options, you’re setting them up for success.”
Role of the PA
With the internet’s scope so vast, parents are often misled by information or strategies that may not be suitable for their child. As pharmacy assistants, you’re in a position to help parents sift through the incorrect information they’re fed, and advise knowledgeably on the next steps they can take regarding their children’s health.
“Parents and carers’ concerns regarding health issues are often misdirected,” Dr Best said.
“This can often be because of what they get exposed to in the media, online – including social media – and through advertising.
“Children’s health is about making sure they’re growing well, eating and drinking the right foods and drinks, being vaccinated, being sun safe, getting regular exercise and being emotionally supported in a secure and safe home and education environment.
“Be aware of false messaging on child health issues – there’s a lot!“
Parents and guardians can access the Queensland Health Immunisation Schedule here.
This feature was originally published in the April issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine.
