Five Minutes or Less for Health, Monthly Tip: Teach Kids Healthy Habits 

february               

        

Celebrate the love of family, friends, and good health.

Consider making a healthy meal for Valentine’s Day. Serve food lower in salt and fat content, provide more fruits and vegetables, and make less sugary sweets for an overall healthy Valentine’s Day.

This Valentine’s Day, show your love the safe and healthy way.
  • Consider your loved ones’ allergies or health conditions when making plans.
  • Choose a restaurant that is smoke-free.
  • Include heart-healthy foods and physical activity in your plans.
  • Put on proper safety gear for outdoor activities
  • Give yourself or your loved ones a favorite healthy alternative to candy.
  • If you smoke, quit smoking. It's a perfect gift for yourself and others.
  • February is American Heart Month. Help raise awareness about heart disease prevention. Encourage yourself and others to learn about how to lower heart disease risk and take action!
  • Learn the most common symptoms of a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 immediately if these symptoms arise.

Spread love, not germs.

Protect yourself from the cold and flu.

  • Wash hands often.
  • Avoid close contact when you or someone you know is sick.
  • Get your flu vaccines.

Brush Up on Kids’ Oral Health

A healthy smile is a sign of a happy child, and creating healthy smiles begins at infancy. Start cleaning teeth early. Take a few minutes to ensure your kids have healthy smiles.

  • Lift the lip. Check your child's teeth regularly for chalky areas along the gum line. This may be an early sign of tooth decay.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Supervise brushing. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well.
  • Talk to your child’s doctor or dentist about any questions or problems you may have.

Wear a Helmet

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. One way to prevent a TBI is for you and your children to put on a helmet when:

  • riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle
  • playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing
  • using in-line skates or riding a skateboard
  • batting and running bases in baseball or softball
  • riding a horse
  • skiing or snowboarding
Watch the sparks. If you decide to cook a romantic dinner, light some candles, or have a cozy fire, don’t leave them unattended.

Be sensitive.  Consider that your valentine may have allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other health conditions.  You can be sensitive to your valentine by finding out if certain foods, flowers, pets, stuffed animals, or other items might affect their health.

~CDC.gov