Physical Activity
As you juggle work and family, be mindful that research shows active parents raise active children. Fitness should always be a priority in a family’s daily schedule. The American Heart Association recommends that children stay active throughout the day. Kids age six and older should get at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day. This will help them maintain a healthy weight and keep their hearts, brains and bodies healthy.
While an hour each day might sound like a large chunk of time, there are many ways to incorporate activity into your family’s routine. It all adds up.
Here are some ideas:
- Enjoy the great outdoors! Schedule a time each day for an outdoor activity with your children. Hike a local nature trail or ride a bicycle path.
- Schedule family playtime.Take a walk or play a game of tag after dinner each night. Choose activities that require movement, such as bowling, catch or miniature golf.
- Choose toys wisely. Give children toys that encourage physical activity, such as balls, kites, skateboards and jump ropes.
- Limit screen time.Experts warn that one to two hours of screen time a day should be the limit for children, but some are logging more than double that amount. Set boundaries, keep the television and electronic media out of your child's bedroom and limit computer usage to school projects.
- Plant a garden. Caring for plants gives your children a reason to get outside each day. Learning how to grow a garden teaches the food system while sampling the harvest encourages healthy eating habits.
- Chip in with chores.Rake leaves, shovel snow and do other home-maintenance projects as a family. In the end, your home will be better off and so will your family’s health.
More information:
- How to Move More Anytime, Anywhere | American Heart Association
- 11 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active - HealthyChildren.org
- Child Activity: An Overview | Physical Activity Basics | CDC
American Heart Association (2024, January 5) How to Get Your family Active. How to Get Your Family Active | American Heart Association
Child and Teen Checkups are regular screenings and physical examination of your child to help keep your child healthy. Children and teenagers from birth through 20 years of age who are receiving Medical Assistance are enrolled in this program. If any health problems are found, they can be treated early. Children can be tested for exposure to lead or Tuberculosis and other diseases during their checkup. Parents and children receive information about healthy lifestyles during their visit. Dental checkups can be performed at the dentist.
Included in the checkup are: monitoring of height and weight, hearing and vision, development, diet, dental health, physical exams, immunization, other health information and lab test results. The health checkup may be used for Head Start, WIC, sports physical, school, or day-care programs.
Child and Teen Checkups occur at:
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0-1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24Â and 30 months
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Annually starting at age 3 through age 20
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Dental checkups start at the first tooth eruption or by age 1.
After the first dental checkup, a visit to the dentist should occur every 6 months or earlier if problems are noted.
You may receive your checkups from your doctor or at a clinic. Children enrolled in a health plan must receive their Child and Teen Checkups from providers in their health plan. Child and Teen Checkups are at no cost to you. Checkups are a covered service by Medical Assistance.
Need Help?
The Child and Teen Checkup Coordinator can help you find a clinic, schedule regular checkups, find a dentist, get an interpreter and set up transportation. Call 1-888-837-6713 for more information about the Child and Teen Checkups program.