Reality: The children adopt their parents' lifestyle. It isn't surprising anymore that most of them stay up late watching television or tinkering with their gadgets. They eat what their parents eat (and don't eat). Fastfood, junk foods, even coffee are normally part of the children's diet. If the parents don't eat fruits and vegetables, chances are the children don't either. If the parents don't have an active lifestyle, the children are most likely couch potatoes too.
According to Dra. Rio Rita Crisostomo-Santiago, a Pediatrician and Children's Health Advocate, the two alarming concerns for children are malnutrition and obesity. Children must eat right, physically active, reduce stress, and have supplementation.
Eating right
What are you feeding your children? I know a child who only eats egg and rice every single meal. The parent said it's the only food she wants to eat aside from crackers, chips, and chocolates. Is she getting the right amount of nutrition?
Children need a diet sufficient in macro and micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to carbohydrates, fats, and protein needed by the body to provide the vital energy and body building elements for survival and development. On the other hand, micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that children need in small amounts to support their physical and mental development. A child's diet must also be sufficient to provide for the accumulation of stores of nutrients in preparation for the accelerated growth spurts of the teen years.
The lack of micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin A or iron in their daily diet may result in brain underdevelopment and poor performance in school, as well as the ability to cope with stress.
Physical activity
There's nothing wrong with children watching television or playing games using their iPad as long as they also engage in physical activities. You can bring them to the playground, bike around the community, swim at the clubhouse, or attend fun activities at the mall. Encourage them to get into sports. Simple activities like helping dad wash the car or gardening with mom are will not just make your children move but are also great bonding opportunities too.
Reduce stress
Let the children enjoy being children. Guide them in their studies but don't force them to learn all the available advanced learning programs. It is very stressful for the children if you expect too much from them. Parents should know the capabilities and limitations of their children. Encouraging and supporting them give positive results compared to demanding them to be the best in everything they do.
Supplementation
USANA formulated a health supplement tailored fit for Filipino children. Usanimals is a daily multivitamin for children ages 2-12 with a balanced formula that contains 23 essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support health growth and development for healthy immune functions and energy levels, and bone support.
Usanimals contains quality antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help ensure that the essential nutrients are present in your child's diet. Vital micronutients such as vitamins A, C, E and zinc boost immunity; B6, B12, folate, and choline for healthy brain function; calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth; and iron, thiamin, and B12 for energy. It also contains calcium pantothenate, biotin, inotisol, antioxidant phytonutrient complex (blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry fruit powder), selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum.
Usanimals is free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. Each chewable tablet is easy to eat and stamped with animal shapes. It also has a natural yogurt flavor.
Remember: Supplementation can never replace a healthy diet.
Start raising a healthy child today!
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