Health Maintenance for Kids

MAPCON Maintenance Software Article Series

This is one in a series of Articles published by Mapcon Technologies, Inc. to provide our customers and interested members of the public a unique insight into the world of CMMS, Maintenance Software and Preventive Maintenance Management. Please feel free to send us your comments via email.

— by Sean Spencer, Software Development Expert and Author

Your health is your greatest treasure. Without good health, you won't be able to enjoy life as much. You may already know that there are several important aspects of good health. These components include nutrition, exercise, mental health, safety, and avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about how to take the best possible care of your health while you are in middle school and beyond.

Nutrition

What you eat is one of the most important parts of your overall health. The information about good nutrition can be so confusing, and it's certainly tempting to just eat whatever tastes the best to you! With a few specific pointers on good nutrition, you can head in the right direction and make choices that are both healthy and tasty. Try some of these links for guidance about food that's good for you and tastes good, too.

• Team Nutrition: MyPlate Overview by USDA

• Figuring Out Food Labels by KidsHealth

• Healthy Kids Quiz

• Fuel Up to Play 60

• Preparing Food Safely

• Healthy Eating for Young People by European Food Information Council

Exercise

Our bodies are designed to move and be active. Did you know that being physically active not only helps protect your overall health, but also helps you to look and feel your best? Exercise can have a positive effect on your mood, and it's a great way to socialize and share special times with family and friends. The following links explain more about how to incorporate fun exercise into your daily or weekly routine as a way to stay energized and fit.

• Ways to Be Active by the President"s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition

• Make the Most of Playtime

• Indoor Physical Activity Ideas for Kids (PDF)

• Strength Training for Building Bone Density

• The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Exercise, for Kids and Adults

Mental Health

What is mental health? It's just as important for us to take good care of our brains and emotions as it is to stay physically fit. Sometimes kids have problems with issues like depression, low self-esteem, or dealing with feelings that arise from family circumstances or school difficulties. These resources can offer you more information about good mental health for kids.

• Tips for Helping Kids Handle Their Emotions

• For Kids and Teens by Northern County Psychiatric Associates

• Brain Basics by National Institute of Mental Health

• A Positive Image: Self-Esteem by Palo Alto Medical Foundation

• Kids Mental Health Information Portal

Safety

It's important to stay safe when we go out into the world, whether we're involved in sports, riding a bike or in a car, or involved in other activities. There are many dangers in the world, but with good care, you can stay safe no matter what might be happening around you. Safety involves awareness of different types of dangers, from fire and other hazards to sports safety.

• Spotlight On: Safety! by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Tips to Stay Safe and Cybersmart by the Commonwealth of Australia

• Be Prepared in Every Situation by FEMA

• Sports Safety for Kids by WebMD

• Safe Routes to School Programs (PDF) by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Drug and Alcohol Prevention

You may have already heard that drugs and alcohol are very damaging to a kid's growing body and brain. You might also know someone who has been negatively affected by drugs. It can be confusing to try to understand exactly why drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are so dangerous. Check out the following links to get more information on using drugs and alcohol.

• Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview

• Facts for Kids

• D.A.R.E. America

• Above the Influence by National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign

• The Partnership for Drug Free Kids

General Kids' Health

• Are You a Healthy Kid? (PDF) Obesity Toolkit

• Kids Get Healthy Quiz

• Three Things Kids Can Do To Stay Healthy by the Washington Post

• Healthy recipes improve eating habits by Oregon State University

• Mouth Healthy Kids by American Dental Association