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Your family looks forward to it all year. Summer means freedom from homework, PTA meetings, and the rush to catch the bus. In fact, bedtimes, meal planning, and TV rules sometimes take a vacation, too. But this carefree season isn't always good for kids' health.

Even though a break from the grind can be relaxing, some parts of a routine are important for kids to stick with all year round, like the right amount of sleep and time to exercise every day. Too much of a break can lead to unhealthy changes. In fact, a 2016 study found that children tend to gain weight faster during the summer. And they're more likely to become overweight or obese when they're out of school.

So even when you're taking a break this summer, the choices your family makes are still important. Here are five ways to keep it healthy.

Be Serious About Bedtime

Without the early school-day alarm looming, getting kids to bed on time can seem less important. But a sleep routine still matters. Kids who sleep less have less energy to do the things that keep them healthy, like exercising. A tired brain is also more likely to make unhealthy choices, like zoning out on the couch with a bag of chips all day.

So limit those up-all-night sleepovers and be firm about a set bedtime. To make it easier:

Keep a regular dinnertime.

Make sure your child gets fresh air and exercise during the day.

Turn off screens an hour before bed.

Stick to Screen Time Limits

To your kids, marathon sessions of TV or video games may seem to be a great way to pass a summer day. But extra time in front a screen replaces other activities that are better for them, like playing outside or getting a good night's sleep. It can also lead to unhealthy weight gain -- the more TV kids watch, the more likely they are to gain extra pounds.

Keep screen time limits at your house the way you would during the school year. (Don't have rules around screens? Summertime could be a good chance to test some out.) Outline times when devices aren't allowed (like dinner) and create media-free zones in the house (bedrooms are a good bet). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ages 2 to 5 spend no more than 1 hour per day with high-quality TV or apps, and that older kids have consistent limits on how long they use TV, smartphones, or computers.

Plus, there are a lot of other fun ways to spend a summer day that don't involve a screen! Help your kids come up with a list of activities they can try during the day. You'll have a ready-made solution the next time you hear "I'm bored."

Get Outside and Get Active

There's no better time to show kids that moving is fun. Don't focus on calorie burning. Instead, help them try something new or find activities they like. If sports are their thing, you can sign them up for a camp or a league. Or help them organize a regular game of baseball or kickball with other kids nearby. Or teach them how to fly a kite, paddle a canoe, or do a cannonball into the pool.

And make your family time count. Set a time every day when you all take a walk, ride bikes, play tag in the backyard, jump rope, play soccer, dance, or swim. It all adds to the 60 minutes of activity kids need every day -- no matter what season it is.

Focus on Food

You can still pack a lunch for your kids, even when they're not headed to school. It works great if they're spending the day at camp. But they can also take it along on a hike or to the pool or park, instead of grabbing fast food or raiding the vending machines. Fill that brown bag with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein, and skip sweetened drinks.

At home, swap out the junk food in your pantry and fridge (soda, cookies, chips, fatty frozen foods) for healthier stuff. When your kids want to raid the kitchen during the day, they'll have better foods to choose from. Keep fresh fruit on the counters and in the fridge.

Take advantage of your kids' extra downtime to get them involved with their food, too. Plant a garden together, or visit a farmers market to pick from all the in-season produce. Let them choose tomatoes, melons, or peppers, and then make dinner together. Research has shown that kids who learn how to grow and cook their own food eat more fruits and vegetables.

Find a New Routine

The school year comes with plenty of structure, and all that scheduling can help encourage healthy habits. Put a little rhythm into lazy summer days with activities that will keep them active. You can sign your child up for day camp, swim lessons, playgroups, story time, or other activities. Check your local parks district and libraries for free or low-cost options. Or make your own plan for regular activities to cut down on boredom. A daily schedule could mean less screen time and less snacking (and maybe even less whining).

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Your family looks forward to it all year. Summer means freedom from homework, PTA meetings, and the rush to catch the bus. In fact, bedtimes, meal planning, and TV rules sometimes take a vacation, too. But this carefree season isn't always good for kids' health.

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Podcast Episodes

Children's Health Checkup answers parents' most common questions about raising healthy and happy kids. Find expert parenting advice, health tips and more from one of the largest pediatric health care providers in the country.

Listen below or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

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Checkup Podcast for Parents - Children's Health

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Children's Health Checkup answers parents' most common questions about raising healthy and happy kids. Find expert parenting advice, health tips and more from one of the largest pediatric health care providers in the country. Listen below or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

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COVID-19 Variants and Your Child's Health

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COVID-19 Variants and Your Child's Health

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COVID-19 Variants and Your Child's Health

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An infectious disease expert shares the facts about COVID-19 variants, what they mean for your family's health and how to keep children safe.

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Note: This search includes only vaccination clinics that use the VASE+ Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Engine. Visit Vaccinate Virginia for additional options.

Before scheduling an appointment for your next dose, please check to make sure the right amount of time has passed before getting your next shot. If you are not yet eligible for your next dose, you may have to cancel your appointment and reschedule. For more information, visit VDH - COVID-19.

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Note: This search includes only vaccination clinics that use the VASE+ Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Engine. Visit Vaccinate Virginia for additional options. Before scheduling an appointment for your next dose, please check to make sure the right amount of time has passed before getting your next shot.

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There are many fun and active games that kids can play alone, so solo doesn't have to mean sedentary. These activities are suitable for a party of one and allow kids to get some physical activity each day without having to find a play partner.

It is nice to have moms and dads get involved with the activities as well. Not only does it motivate the young ones, but you also get some exercise, too.﻿﻿ Yet, that's not always possible or necessary. In those times, suggest one of these fun and simple games and your child can have a great time.

Solo Ball Skills

Does your child play basketball or soccer? They do not need teammates to practice skills. Shooting baskets is a great game for kids to play alone. So is practicing soccer skills like dribbling or shooting on goal.

If you have a rebounding net, kids don't need a partner to play catch with a football or baseball, either. Also, a pitching machine is an inexpensive way for kids to put in some extra baseball practice.

The 7-Up Game

All your child needs is a ball and some open space for this classic, active game. It challenges them to master increasingly complex skills. It's a great outdoor game or it can be played in your basement, garage, or anywhere that doesn't have breakables.

Racket Sports

Yes, tennis and badminton can be games for kids to play alone! They can volley tennis balls off a wall, bounce them on the ground with the racket, or bounce balls and birdies up from a racquet held horizontally.

How many can they get in a row? Can they top their personal best? It's actually a great way to hone their hand-eye coordination, which is useful for many other things.﻿﻿

Kids can practice hula hooping indoors or out. Challenge them to count how many revolutions they can do or how long they can keep the hoop spinning without dropping it.

Watch a few hula hooping videos online so your child can see what kinds of tricks are possible, too. For instance, they can try to master the technique of working the hoop from the hips to the neck and back down.

Did you ever hear the expression, "dance like no one's watching"? Many people are nervous about dancing in public, but you can encourage your child to dance alone and work on some confidence-building skills.﻿﻿ All it takes is music. You can also use games, such as Just Dance or Zumba classes. These can help kids build a repertoire of moves.

Going for a Ride

Encouraging your child to go on a little bike or scooter ride is a great option. It's also a perfect solo activity. You will need to set boundaries and make sure kids know and obey safety rules before they set out, though.﻿﻿

Art Projects

Art and craft projects can keep kids busy for hours. If your son or daughter has a creative streak, give them some supplies and let them explore their imagination.﻿﻿ A larger mural or a 3-D sculpture offers plenty of physical activity.

While you probably don't want your child to spend all their playtime in front of a screen, setting them up with motion-controlled video games will definitely get them moving.﻿﻿ It may even inspire activity away from the TV.

Digging and Building

Got dirt, sand, or snow in the yard? Equip your child with some simple tools like shovels, pails, and maybe a few molds and let them dig and build to their heart's content. It's easy to spend hours crafting a castle, a roadway, a snow creature, or even a flower garden.

Solo Balloon Volleyball

Volleyball is usually a team sport, but it's a lot of fun for one, too. All you need is a balloon and, with a few boundaries set, it can be an indoor game.

Set up a ribbon to act as a net and blow up a balloon for a ball. Then challenge your child to play volleyball-on both sides of the net! They hit the balloon up and over the ribbon, then scoot under to hit it from the other side, and so on until the balloon wafts to the ground.

Sidewalk Chalk Games

On a nice sunny day, a tub of sidewalk chalk can keep many kids busy for a long time. They can use the chalk to make hopscotch, mazes, obstacle courses, and much more. You might even show them photos of amazing sidewalk chalk art by professional artists to inspire their own artwork.

A Word From Verywell

Even when there are no playmates available, kids can stay entertained and active with a little encouragement. It challenges their creativity and offers many possibilities for growth and development on a very personal level as well.

Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Fuemmeler BF, Anderson CB, Mâsse LC. Parent-child relationship of directly measured physical activity. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2011 Dec 1;8(1):17. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-8-17

2. Divine J. The Neuroscience Behind Hand-Eye Coordination for Tennis Players. UC Health. 2019.

3. Monteiro LA, Novaes JS, Santos ML, Fernandes HM. Body dissatisfaction and self-esteem in female students aged 9-15: the effects of age, family income, body mass index levels and dance practice. Journal of human kinetics. 2014 Dec 1;43(1):25-32. doi:10.2478/hukin-2014-0086

4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Care of the Young Athlete Patient Education Handouts - Biking. AAP.org. 2011.

5. LaMore R, Root-Bernstein R, Root-Bernstein M, Schweitzer JH, Lawton JL, Roraback E, Peruski A, VanDyke M, Fernandez L. Arts and crafts: Critical to economic innovation. Economic Development Quarterly. 2013 Aug;27(3):221-9. doi:10.1177%2F0891242413486186

6. Sun H. Impact of exergames on physical activity and motivation in elementary school students: A follow-up study. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013 Sep 1;2(3):138-45. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2013.02.003

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No Playdate, No Problem: Games Kids Can Play Alone

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There are many fun and active games that kids can play alone, so solo doesn't have to mean sedentary. These activities are suitable for a party of one and allow kids to get some physical activity each day without having to find a play partner.

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I have been in nursing for more than 30 years and have never used a tool like VIIS (the Virginia Immunization Information System). VIIS is the best thing ever invented and everyone in the state should be using it. It has saved me so much time. I do not have to call the providers or the local health departments as much for shot records. Most of my patients are in VIIS with a partial or full record.

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The goal of VIIS is to support individuals, families and clinicians in making the best health decisions by providing a statewide, readily accessible and reliable Immunization Information System. The Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) is a free statewide registry system which combines immunization histories for persons of all ages from both the public and the [...]

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to keep your children healthy in school. Here you will find recommendations about COVID-19, immunizations, and other information. Use our Back to School Checklists to stay organized with what you need to do before the new school year, and check back regularly to find the most up-to-date resources.

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How to clean and disinfect your home during COVID-19

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How to clean and disinfect your home during COVID-19

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Spring cleaning has long been a trend but sparkling clean counters and disinfected doorknobs have never been more important than they are right now. That's because one recommended precaution to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

While experts are still learning more about the virus that causes COVID-19, it's believed to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Another way may be through "surface transmission." This is the term for what may happen when you touch a surface that someone with the virus has coughed or sneezed on, and then you touch your nose, mouth or eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

One way to prevent this spread of COVID-19 is frequent hand hygiene - either washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Keeping the "high-touch" surfaces of your home clean is important, too. View four tips for keeping your home clean and family healthy during COVID-19. You can also learn more about disinfecting your home on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Tips for cleaning and disinfecting your home during COVID-19

1. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces

The CDC recommends people routinely clean high-touch surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, sports equipment and toys.

When cleaning, be sure to wear disposable gloves and use soap and water to preclean if an area or item is visibly dirty. Then, you can use a household disinfectant to kill germs on surfaces. Use disinfectants that meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria for use against the coronavirus and are appropriate for the surface you are cleaning. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

If you want to make disinfectant, one option is a diluted solution of household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.

Check the label to make sure the bleach you are using is okay for disinfection and that the expiration date hasn't passed.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Don't mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.

Make sure the room is well ventilated.

Leave the bleach solution on the surface for at least a minute before wiping off.

One important reminder for parents: Ensure cleaning supplies are kept out of reach of young children to prevent exposure and poisoning.

2. Keep electronics clean

When thinking of frequently touched objects, don't forget your household electronics. Tablets, touch screens, smartphones, keyboards and remote control devices are getting a workout these days. Keep your (and your kids') electronics clean by:

Putting a wipeable cover on electronics.

Following the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. A good guideline is to use alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70% alcohol.

Drying the electronics' surface thoroughly.

3. Don't forget soft surfaces

Experts aren't sure whether the virus that causes COVID-19 can live on your clothing or bedsheets for any length of time. However, it's still recommended that you launder sheets, pillows, clothing and plush toys regularly - especially if someone in your home is sick.

When laundering clothing, towels, linens and other items:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, using the warmest water setting possible. Be sure to dry items completely.

When handling clothes worn by someone who is sick, wear disposable gloves.

Do not shake dirty laundry.

After handling dirty laundry, be sure to remove your gloves and wash your hands right away.

Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people's items.

4. Practice hand hygiene when handling food and food containers

It's unlikely that the coronavirus survives for very long on food products and packaging. In fact, there is no evidence that food or food packaging has been linked to COVID-19 illness. But to help keep your family healthy when grocery shopping, ordering takeout or preparing food, refer to these recommended guidelines:

After leaving the grocery store, use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

Limit in-person contact as much as possible by ordering online, using curbside pickup or asking that deliveries be left outside your home

Wiping down cereal boxes and other packages isn't necessary. Instead, focus on washing your hands after handling them.

Before preparing or eating food, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety. Always follow food safety guidelines when preparing food.

After receiving deliveries or bringing home takeout food, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don't have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer.

The CDC offers more helpful guidelines to minimize your exposure to COVID-19 while running essential errands.

Take extra precautions if someone in your home becomes ill

Even when taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it's possible someone in your family will become sick. Remember, most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild symptoms and are able to recover at home.

The CDC recommends following these cleaning guidelines if someone in your household develops symptoms of COVID-19.

The person who is sick should stay in a separate bedroom with their own bathroom, if possible.

Interact with the person who is sick as little as possible while still providing the care your family member needs.

If the person who is ill can manage it, ask them to clean their own space. You can help from a distance by providing tissues, paper towels, cleaners and disinfectants.

Wash the sick person's dishes and utensils with hot water and soap. Be sure to wear gloves or use a dishwasher.

Give the person who is sick their own lined trash can. Use gloves when handling and disposing of trash and wash your hands afterwards.

For more resources to keep your family healthy, visit the Children's Health℠ COVID-19 hub. To see continued updates as new information is shared, visit the CDC website.

How Children's Health is keeping our hospital clean

Your family's health is more important than ever - and we're here to help. Find out how we're keeping patients safe.

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4 Tips to Disinfect Your Home to Prevent COVID-19 - Children's Health

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Spring cleaning has long been a trend but sparkling clean counters and disinfected doorknobs have never been more important than they are right now. That's because one recommended precaution to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

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ABCya! • ABCya! • Learning Games and Apps for Kids

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Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun. Topics include math, reading, typing, just-for-fun logic games… and more!

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US Department of Health and Human Services

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Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)

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Find key coronavirus testing information and resources from across HHS and at the state level.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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how to protect yourself from coronavirus

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Protect yourself and others from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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Virginia State Parks are family friendly places offering outdoor fun, cabins, camping, great trails, peace and quiet, and so much more. Plan your visit now.

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See 8 tips to minimize allergy symptoms in kids

Seasonal allergies are among the most common allergies in the United States. In fact, up to 40% of children have pollen allergies.

Seasonal allergy symptoms in kids

Common allergy symptoms in children include:

Congestion or sinus pressure

Runny nose

Itchy, watery eyes

Scratchy or sore throat

Cough

Swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes

Reduced sense of taste or smell

Hay fever symptoms may range from mild to severe, and may only affect children during certain seasons.

Tips for seasonal allergy relief

Minimize seasonal allergy symptoms in children by following these eight tips:

1. Stay inside when the pollen count is high or if it's a dry and windy day

2. Avoid yard work if your allergies are flared up

3. Wash your clothes after being outside

4. Bathe after coming in from outside

5. Keep doors and windows closed

6. Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) air filter in your home

7. Vacuum often

8. For nasal congestion relief, flush sinuses with a nasal rinse

Most importantly, visit an allergist to have your child's allergies appropriately diagnosed and to develop a treatment plan.

Learn more

The allergy specialists at Children's Health℠ can help diagnose and treat seasonal allergies. Learn more about our Allergy program and services.

Sign up

Stay current on the health insights that make a difference to your children. Sign up for the Children's Health newsletter and have more tips sent directly to your inbox.

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Fight seasonal allergies [Infographic] - Children's Health

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Seasonal allergies are among the most common allergies in the United States. In fact, up to 40% of children have pollen allergies. Common allergy symptoms in children include: Congestion or sinus pressure Runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Scratchy or sore throat Cough Swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes Reduced sense of taste or smell Hay fever symptoms may range from mild to severe, and may only affect children during certain seasons.

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List of COVID-19 Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

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List of COVID-19 Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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When would I use it?

When you want to find the latest information on masks including adaptations and alternatives for wearing masks.

When would I use it?

When you want to find the latest information for
handlers of service and therapy animals.

When would I use it?

When you want to search for what health departments are doing to assist people with disabilities during COVID-19.
( Search for: Disability)

When would I use it?

When you want to connect people with disabilities, their families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster-impacted individuals with disabilities with immediate and urgent disaster related needs to information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance, and resources.

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List of COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities

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When would I use it? When you want to find the latest information on masks including adaptations and alternatives for wearing masks. When would I use it? When you want to find the latest information for handlers of service and therapy animals. When would I use it?

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VAX Talk: Ep 59: Kids & The COVID-19 Vaccine

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VAX Talk: Ep 59: Kids & The COVID-19 Vaccine

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‎Vax Talk: Ep 59: Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines on Apple Podcasts

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‎Show Vax Talk, Ep Ep 59: Kids and COVID-19 Vaccines - Jan 10, 2022

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How school-based tele-health and tele-behavioral health services are transforming care for children

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How school-based tele-health and tele-behavioral health services are transforming care for children

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How School-Based Telehealth and TeleBehavioral Health Services are Transforming Care for Children

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Learn how the School-Based Telehealth and TeleBehavioral Health programs came to life and how virtual care is improving the patient family experience.

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The History of Vaccines

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The History of Vaccines explores the role of immunization in the human experience and examines its continuing contributions to public health.

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VDH algorithm for evaluation a child with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure

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VDH algorithm for evaluation a child with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure

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Last updated February 9, 2022 Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended for children 5-11 years old Guidance for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines Some treatments are available to treat COVID-19 illness

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Information for parents and teens: Ages 12-19

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Information for parents and teens: Ages 12-19

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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As a parent of a teen, you are beginning to see your child become an adult. These are critical years that will affect both their current and future health. These links will help you learn how to guide your teen to become a healthy and productive adult.

Page last reviewed:

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You can see children's development by how they play, learn, speak, and act. Parents play a critical role in their child's development. Providing a safe and loving home and spending time together - playing, singing, reading, and even just talking - can make a big difference!

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Crosswords For Kids | Free Crossword Puzzles to Play Online or Print!

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Select a Crossword Puzzle, click on a Picture and enter the corresponding Word! So EASY! Solve it Online or Print it out!

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Take charge of your health: A guide for teenagers

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Take charge of your health: A guide for teenagers

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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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As you get older, you're able to start making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you. You may choose your own clothes, music, and friends. You also may be ready to make decisions about your body and health.

Making healthy decisions about what you eat and drink, how active you are, and how much sleep you get is a great place to start. Here you'll learn

Don't forget to check out the "Did you know?" boxes for even more helpful tips and ideas.

Did you know?

About 20 percent of kids between 12 and 19 years old have obesity. But small changes in your eating and physical activity habits may help you reach and stay a healthy weight.

How does the body use energy?

Your body needs energy to function and grow. Calories from food and drinks give you that energy. Think of food as energy to charge up your battery for the day. Throughout the day, you use energy from the battery to think and move, so you need to eat and drink to stay powered up. Balancing the energy you take in through food and beverages with the energy you use for growth, activity, and daily living is called "energy balance." Energy balance may help you stay a healthy weight.

Your body needs energy to function. Calories from food and drinks give you that energy.

How many calories does your body need?

Different people need different amounts of calories to be active or stay a healthy weight. The number of calories you need depends on whether you are male or female, your genes, how old you are, your height and weight, whether you are still growing, and how active you are, which may not be the same every day.

How should you manage or control your weight?

Some teens try to lose weight by eating very little; cutting out whole groups of foods like foods with carbohydrates, or "carbs;" skipping meals; or fasting. These approaches to losing weight could be unhealthy because they may leave out important nutrients your body needs. In fact, unhealthy dieting could get in the way of trying to manage your weight because it may lead to a cycle of eating very little and then overeating because you get too hungry. Unhealthy dieting could also affect your mood and how you grow.

Smoking, making yourself vomit, or using diet pills or laxatives to lose weight may also lead to health problems. If you make yourself vomit, or use diet pills or laxatives to control your weight, you could have signs of a serious eating disorder and should talk with your health care professional or another trusted adult right away. If you smoke, which increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health problems, quit smoking as soon as possible.

If you think you need to lose weight, talk with a health care professional first. A doctor or dietitian may be able to tell you if you need to lose weight and how to do so in a healthy way.

Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks

Healthy eating involves taking control of how much and what types of food you eat, as well as the beverages you drink. Try to replace foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat protein foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods.

Fruits and Vegetables
Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Dark green, red, and orange vegetables have high levels of the nutrients you need, like vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Adding tomato and spinach-or any other available greens that you like-to your sandwich is an easy way to get more veggies in your meal.

Grains
Choose whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereal, instead of refined-grain cereals, white bread, and white rice.

Choose whole grains, like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereal.

Protein
Power up with low fat or lean meats like turkey or chicken, and other protein-rich foods, such as seafood, egg whites, beans, nuts, and tofu.

Build strong bones with fat-free or low-fat milk products. If you can't digest lactose-the sugar in milk that can cause stomach pain or gas-choose lactose-free milk or soy milk with added calcium. Fat-free or low-fat yogurt is also a good source of dairy food.

Healthy Eating Tips

Try to limit foods like cookies, candy, frozen desserts, chips, and fries, which often have a lot of sugar, unhealthy fat, and salt.

For a quick snack, try recharging with a pear, apple, or banana; a small bag of baby carrots; or hummus with sliced veggies.

Don't add sugar to your food and drinks.

Drink fat-free or low-fat milk and avoid sugary drinks. Soda, energy drinks, sweet tea, and some juices have added sugars, a source of extra calories. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines call for getting less than 10 percent of your daily calories from added sugars.

Fats
Fat is an important part of your diet. Fat helps your body grow and develop, and may even keep your skin and hair healthy. But fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbs, and some are not healthy.

Some fats, such as oils that come from plants and are liquid at room temperature, are better for you than other fats. Foods that contain healthy oils include avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, and seafood such as salmon and tuna fish.

Solid fats such as butter, stick margarine, and lard, are solid at room temperature. These fats often contain saturated and trans fats, which are not healthy for you. Other foods with saturated fats include fatty meats, and cheese and other dairy products made from whole milk. Take it easy on foods like fried chicken, cheeseburgers, and fries, which often have a lot of saturated and trans fats. Options to consider include a turkey sandwich with mustard or a lean-meat, turkey, or veggie burger.

Foods that contain healthy oils include avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, and seafood such as salmon and tuna fish.

Your body needs a small amount of sodium, which is mostly found in salt. But getting too much sodium from your foods and drinks can raise your blood pressure, which is unhealthy for your heart and your body in general. Even though you're a teen, it's important to pay attention to your blood pressure and heart health now to prevent health problems as you get older.

Try to consume less than 2,300 mg, or no more than 1 teaspoon, of sodium a day. This amount includes the salt in already prepared food, as well as the salt you add when cooking or eating your food.

Processed foods, like those that are canned or packaged, often have more sodium than unprocessed foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. When you can, choose fresh or frozen fruits and veggies over processed foods. Try adding herbs and spices instead of salt to season your food if you make your own meals. Remember to rinse canned vegetables with water to remove extra salt. If you use packaged foods, check the amount of sodium listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Figure 1 below shows an updated food label, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for use on most packaged foods beginning in 2018.
Figure 1. Side-by-Side Comparison of Original and New Nutrition Facts Label

Current label Updated label
Source:U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Limit added sugars

Some foods, like fruit, are naturally sweet. Other foods, like ice cream and baked desserts, as well as some beverages, have added sugars to make them taste sweet. These sugars add calories but not vitamins or fiber. Try to consume less than 10 percent of your daily calories from added sugars in food and beverages. Reach for an apple or banana instead of a candy bar.

Reach for an apple or a banana instead of a candy bar.

Did you know?

Many teens need more of these nutrients:

calcium, to build strong bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

vitamin D, to keep bones healthy. Good sources of vitamin D include orange juice, whole oranges, tuna, and fat-free or low-fat milk.

potassium, to help lower blood pressure. Try a banana, or baked potato with the skin, for a potassium boost.

fiber, to help you stay regular and feel full. Good sources of fiber include beans and celery.

protein, to power you up and help you grow strong. Peanut butter; eggs; tofu; legumes, such as lentils and peas; and chicken, fish, and low-fat meats are all good sources of protein.

iron, to help you grow. Red meat contains a form of iron that your body absorbs best. Spinach, beans, peas, and iron-fortified cereals are also sources of iron. You can help your body absorb the iron from these foods better when you also eat foods with vitamin C, like an orange.

Control your food portions

A portion is how much food or beverage you choose to consume at one time, whether in a restaurant, from a package, at school or a friend's, or at home. Many people consume larger portions than they need, especially when away from home. Ready-to-eat meals-from a restaurant, grocery store, or at school-may give you larger portions than your body needs to stay charged up. The Weight-control Information Network has tips to help you eat and drink a suitable amount of food and beverages for you, whether you are at home or somewhere else.

Did you know?

Just one super-sized, fast food meal may have more calories than you need in a whole day. And when people are served more food, they may eat or drink more-even if they don't need it. This habit may lead to weight gain. When consuming fast food, choose small portions or healthier options, like a veggie wrap or salad instead of fries or fried chicken.
Be media smart.
Advertisements, TV shows, the internet, and social media may affect your food and beverage choices and how you choose to spend your time. Many ads try to get you to consume high-fat foods and sugary drinks. Be aware of some of the tricks ads use to influence you:

An ad may show a group of teens consuming a food or drink, or using a product to make you think all teens are or should be doing the same. The ad may even use phrases like "all teens need" or "all teens are."

Advertisers sometimes show famous people using or recommending a product because they think you will want to buy products that your favorite celebrities use.

Ads often use cartoon figures to make a food, beverage, or activity look exciting and appealing to young people.

Take the Portion Distortion Quiz to find out how portion sizes have changed over the years.

When eating fast food, choose healthier options.

Don't skip meals

Skipping meals might seem like an easy way to lose weight, but it actually may lead to weight gain if you eat more later to make up for it. Even if you're really busy with school and activities, it's important to try not to skip meals. Follow these tips to keep your body charged up all day and to stay healthy:

Eat breakfast every day. Breakfast helps your body get going. If you're short on time in the morning, grab something to go, like an apple or banana.

Pack your lunch on school days. Packing your lunch may help you control your food and beverage portions and increases the chances that you will eat it because you made it.

Eat dinner with your family. When you eat home-cooked meals with your family, you are more likely to consume healthy foods. Having meals together also gives you a chance to reconnect with each other and share news about your day.

Get involved in grocery shopping and meal planning at home. Going food shopping and planning and preparing meals with family members or friends can be fun. Not only can you choose a favorite grocery store, and healthy foods and recipes, you also have a chance to help others in your family eat healthy too.

Did you know?

Teens who eat breakfast may do better in school. By eating breakfast, you can increase your memory and stay focused during the school day.

Get Moving

Physical activity should be part of your daily life, whether you play sports, take physical education (PE) classes in school, do chores, or get around by biking or walking. Regular physical activity can help you manage your weight, have stronger muscles and bones, and be more flexible.

Aerobic versus Lifestyle Activities
You should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Most of the 60 minutes or more of activity a day should be either moderate or intense aerobic physical activity, and you should include intense physical activity at least 3 days a week. Examples of aerobic physical activity, or activity that makes you breathe harder and speeds up your heart rate, include jogging, biking, and dancing.

Walk or bike around your neighborhood.

For a more moderate workout, try brisk walking, jogging, or biking on flat streets or paths. To pick up the intensity, turn your walk into a jog, or your jog into a run-or add hills to your walk, jog, or bike ride. You don't have to do your 60 minutes a day all at once to benefit from your activity.

Routine activities, such as cleaning your room or taking out the trash, may not get your heart rate up the way biking or jogging does. But they are also good ways to keep active on a regular basis.

Fitness apps that you can download onto your computer, smartphone, or other mobile device can help you keep track of how active you are each day.

Did you know?

Activities add up!

Shoot hoops for 30 minutes as part of your 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Here's an example of how to fit 60 minutes of physical activity into your day:

10 minutes - to walk or bike to a friend's house
+
30 minutes - of playing basketball
+
10 minutes - of chasing the dog around the yard
+
10 minutes - to walk back home

= 60 minutes of activity!

Have fun with your friends

Being active can be more fun with other people, like friends or family members. You may also find that you make friends when you get active by joining a sports team or dance club. Mix things up by choosing a different activity each day. Try kickball, flashlight tag, or other activities that get you moving, like walking around the mall. Involve your friends and challenge them to be healthy with you. Sign up for active events together, like charity walks, fun runs, or scavenger hunts.

What if I don't have money for sports equipment or activities?

You don't need money or equipment to stay active. You can run or use free community facilities, like school tracks and basketball courts, to be active at least 60 minutes each day. If you want to play a sport or game that you need equipment for, check with your neighbors or friends at school to see if you can borrow or share supplies. Your school guidance counselor or a PE teacher or coach could tell you how much it costs to join a sports team you are interested in. They may know if your school waives or reduces fees, or if you could apply for a "scholarship" for certain activities.

Take it outside

Maybe you or some of your friends spend a lot of time indoors watching TV, surfing the web, using social media, or playing video games. Try getting in some outdoor activity to burn calories instead. Here are other activities to try:

Have a jump rope or hula hoop contest.

Play Frisbee.

Build an obstacle course or have a scavenger hunt.

Play volleyball or flag football.

If you're stuck indoors or don't have a lot of time, try climbing up and down the stairs in your apartment or home. You can also find dance and other fitness and exercise videos online or on some TV channels. Some routines are only 15 or 20 minutes so you can squeeze them in between homework, going out, or other activities. You also can choose active sports games if you have a gaming system.

Tips for cutting back your screen time

Try to limit your screen time to less than 2 hours each day, not counting your homework:

Replace after-school TV and video-game time with physical activities at home, at school, or in your community.

Turn off your cellphone or other device before you go to bed. Put them away from your nightstand or bed.

Get Enough Sleep

Sometimes it's hard to get enough sleep, especially if you have a job, help take care of younger brothers or sisters, or are busy with other activities after school. Like healthy eating and getting enough physical activity, getting enough sleep is important for staying healthy.

You need enough sleep to do well in school, work and drive safely, and fight off infection. Not getting enough sleep may make you moody and irritable. While more research is needed, some studies have shown that not getting enough sleep may also contribute to weight gain.

If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Find out what you can do to make sure you get enough sleep.

Take Your Time

Changing your habits can be hard. And developing new habits takes time. Use the tips below and the checklist under "Be a health champion" to stay motivated and meet your goals. You can do it!

Make changes slowly. Don't expect to change your eating, drinking, or activity habits overnight. Changing too much too fast may hurt your chances of success.

Figure out what's holding you back. Are there unhealthy snack foods at home that are too tempting? Are the foods and drinks you're choosing at your school cafeteria too high in fat and sugar? How can you change these habits?

Set a few realistic goals. If you're a soda drinker, try replacing a couple of sodas with water. Once you are drinking less soda for a while, try cutting out all soda. Then set another goal, like getting more physical activity each day. Once you have reached one goal, add another.

Get a buddy at school or someone at home to support your new habits. Ask a friend, brother or sister, parent, or guardian to help you make changes and stick with your new habits.

Planning Healthy Meals and Physical Activities Just for You

Being healthy sounds like it could be a lot of work, right? Well, it doesn't have to be. A free, online tool called the MyPlate Daily Checklist can help you create a daily food plan. All you have to do is type in whether you are male or female, your weight, height, and how much physical activity you get each day. The checklist will tell you how many daily calories you should take in and what amounts of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy you should eat to stay within your calorie target.

Another tool, called the SuperTracker, can help you plan, analyze, and track both your eating patterns and physical activity. With SuperTracker, you can find out what and how much to eat, track your foods, physical activities and weight, and set personal goals.

With SuperTracker's Food-A-Pedia, you can type in a food or beverage to find out how many calories it has, as well as how much sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. The tool has nutrition information for more than 8,000 foods. You can use Food-A-Pedia to plan meals like the ones below. For easy and healthy recipe ideas, visit BAM! Body and Mind.

Breakfast: a banana, a slice of whole-grain bread with avocado or tomato, and fat-free or low-fat milk
Lunch: a turkey sandwich with dark leafy lettuce, tomato, and red peppers on whole-wheat bread
Dinner: two whole-grain taco shells with chicken or black beans, fat-free or low-fat cheese, and romaine lettuce
Snack: an apple, banana, or air-popped popcorn

Be a health champion

Spending much of your day away from home can sometimes make it hard to consume healthy foods and drinks. By becoming a "health champion," you can help yourself and family members, as well as your friends, get healthier by consuming healthier foods and drinks and becoming more active. Use this checklist to work healthy habits into your day, whether you're at home or on the go:

Each night, pack a healthy lunch and snacks for the next day. Consume the lunch you packed. Try to avoid soda, chips, and candy from vending machines.

Go to bed at a regular time every night to recharge your body and mind. Turn off your phone, TV, and other devices when you go to bed. Try to get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Walk or bike to school if you live nearby and can do so safely. Invite friends to join you.

Between classes, stand up and walk around, even if your next subject is in the same room.

Participate in gym classes instead of sitting on the sidelines.

Get involved in choosing food and drinks at home. Help make dinner and share it with your family at the dinner table.

Clinical Trials

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

What are clinical trials, and are they right for you?

Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you.

What clinical trials are open?

Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

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Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers | NIDDK

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As you get older, you're able to start making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you. You may choose your own clothes, music, and friends. You also may be ready to make decisions about your body and health.

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La salud general de una persona es mucho más que la ausencia de enfermedad. Es el estado de bienestar físico, mental y social. En última instancia, es la clave para vivir una vida productiva y satisfactoria.

Camino hacia una mejor salud

Se puede dividir el concepto de salud en diferentes categorías. Se puede hablar de salud física, mental, emocional y conductual. Cualquier persona puede realizar ciertas acciones para mantenerse saludable en estas áreas. Como adolescentes, deben prestarles atención a ciertas pautas.

Salud física: Cuide su cuerpo

Haga ejercicio con regularidad. Los adolescentes deben realizar actividad física al menos 60 minutos al día.

Coma una dieta saludable. Tener una alimentación saludable es una parte importante de su crecimiento y desarrollo. Debe comer muchas frutas y vegetales, cereales integrales, diferentes fuentes de proteína y lácteos descremados. Evite la comida chatarra como las gaseosas, la comida rápida y las papas fritas, incluso en la adolescencia. Esto le ayudará a medida que envejece.

Mantenga un peso saludable. Los niños y los adolescentes con obesidad tienen más probabilidades de ser obesos en la adultez. También tienen mayor riesgo de padecer otras enfermedades crónicas, depresión y hostigamiento escolar.

Duerma lo suficiente. La mayoría de los adolescentes necesitan entre 9 y 9 ½ horas y media de sueño por noche. Muchos solo duermen un promedio de 7 horas. El sueño tiene un fuerte efecto sobre la capacidad de concentración y el desempeño escolar.

Cumpla con las vacunas. Es importante vacunarse contra la gripe todos los años. Si aún no tiene la vacuna contra el VPH, pregunte a sus padres y a su médico sobre el tema. Esta vacuna puede prevenir el VPH y otros tipos de cáncer, como el cáncer de cuello uterino y el de garganta.

Cepíllese los dientes y use hilo dental. Si se convierte en un hábito ahora, se pueden prevenir problemas dentales y gingivales en la adultez.

Use protector solar. Quemarse con el sol en la infancia o la adolescencia, aunque sea una sola vez, incrementa el riesgo de padecer cáncer de piel en la adultez. No utilice camas de bronceado. Aumentan el riesgo de padecer cáncer de piel.

No escuche música fuerte. Esto puede dañar la audición para el resto de la vida.

Salud mental: Cuide su mente

Aprenda maneras de manejar el estrés. No puede evitar el estrés, por lo que necesita aprender habilidades de afrontamiento saludables. Esto lo ayudará a mantener la calma y a poder actuar en situaciones estresantes.

Estudie y tenga un buen desempeño en la escuela. Existe un fuerte vínculo entre la salud y el éxito académico.

Intente mantener una buena relación con sus padres. Recuerde que ellos quieren lo mejor para usted. Intente analizar las reglas que le impongan.

Cree un buen equilibrio entre la escuela, el trabajo y la vida social.

No intente abarcar demasiado. Limite sus actividades a las más importantes y dedíquese a ellas de lleno. Exigirse demasiado puede provocar estrés, frustración o agotamiento.

Salud emocional: Cuide sus sentimientos

Conozca los signos de enfermedades mentales. Estos incluyen:

Ansiedad

Depresión

Cansancio excesivo

Pérdida de la autoestima

Pérdida de interés en cosas que antes le interesaban

Pérdida del apetito

Aumento o pérdida de peso

Cambios extraños en la personalidad

Preste atención al ánimo y los sentimientos. No dé por sentado que sus sentimientos o pensamientos negativos forman parte de la adolescencia. Si está preocupado por algo, busque ayuda.

No tenga miedo de pedir ayuda en caso de necesitarla. Si no puede hablar con sus padres, hable con un profesor cercano o un consejero de la escuela. Hable con su médico de familia o proveedor de atención médica. Encuentre un adulto en el cual pueda confiar. Si se siente muy triste o piensa en lastimarse, pida ayuda de inmediato.

Acéptese. Si tiene baja autoestima o problemas con su imagen corporal, hable con alguien al respecto. Incluso hablar con un amigo puede ser de utilidad.

No hostigue a otras personas. Y si sufre hostigamiento, hable con sus padres, docentes u otros adultos. Esto incluye el hostigamiento en línea o por teléfono.

Salud conductual: Cuide la seguridad propia a través de sus conductas

Evite el consumo o abuso de sustancias.Se incluyen el alcohol, las drogas callejeras, los medicamentos con receta de otras personas y cualquier tipo de producto que contenga tabaco o el vapeo.

Conduzca de manera responsable.Los accidentes de tránsito son la principal causa de muerte de adolescentes en los Estados Unidos. Siempre use el cinturón de seguridad. No suba a un auto lleno de otros adolescentes. Pueden distraer al conductor y aumentar las probabilidades de que se produzca un accidente. Nunca suba a un vehículo si el conductor ha estado bebiendo.

Use casco protector.Use casco si monta en bicicleta o practica deportes, a fin de evitar lesiones en la cabeza.

Evite la violencia.Aléjese de situaciones donde la violencia o las peleas puedan causarle daños físicos.

Practique la abstinencia (no tener relaciones sexuales) o tenga sexo seguro. Si mantiene relaciones sexuales, siempre use preservativo para no contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). Si es una persona sexualmente activa, hable con su médico acerca de los anticonceptivos para evitar embarazos no planeados. Si no puede tomar píldoras, utilice preservativos como método anticonceptivo. Incluso si puede usar anticonceptivos, estos no previenen las ITS; use condones además de otros métodos anticonceptivos.

¿Qué puede hacer el médico si voy a una consulta?

El médico puede realizar cualquiera de las siguientes acciones para ayudarlo a mantenerse saludable:

Determinar su riesgo de ciertos problemas de salud.

Medir su peso, su altura y su presión arterial.

Darle consejos sobre hábitos saludables, como la dieta y la actividad física.

Ofrecerle vacunas, si es necesario.

Administrar vacunas para reducir el riesgo de padecer enfermedades. Algunas de ellas pueden ser la meningitis, el tétanos o el VPH.

Aspectos a tener en cuenta

¿Los hábitos que tengo ahora marcarán una diferencia cuando sea mayor?

Sí. El 65% de las muertes en adultos son provocadas por cardiopatías, cáncer y accidentes cerebrovasculares. En muchos casos, estas enfermedades se pueden prevenir. Muchas de las conductas que causan estas enfermedades comienzan a una temprana edad. Por ejemplo, los adolescentes que consumen tabaco tienen más probabilidades de padecer cardiopatías, cáncer o accidentes cerebrovasculares en la edad adulta.

A mi edad, ¿qué debe preocuparme especialmente?

Las principales causas de muerte de adolescentes y adultos jóvenes son los accidentes, los homicidios y los suicidios. El cáncer y las enfermedades cardíacas son poco comunes en adolescentes, pero pueden afectarlo a esta edad. Los embarazos no planificados y las infecciones de transmisión sexual pueden afectar su salud. También pueden producir problemas sociales y personales.

¿Tienen los varones riesgos de salud distintos que las mujeres?

Sí. Los hombres jóvenes suelen tener comportamientos más riesgosos que las mujeres, como no usar cinturones de seguridad. También es más probable que porten armas, participen en peleas, consuman tabaco sin humo o marihuana, beban mucho alcohol y tengan más parejas sexuales. Por otra parte, las mujeres tienen algunos riesgos especiales. Intentan suicidarse con más frecuencia. También intentan perder peso de maneras perjudiciales con más frecuencia que los varones.

¿Debo hablar con mi médico si me preocupa mi salud o mi cuerpo?

Sí. Es importante que hable con su médico si tiene inquietudes relacionadas con su salud o su cuerpo. El médico está para ayudarlo.

Preguntas para hacerle a su médico

¿Qué medidas puedo tomar para estar saludable?

¿Corro riesgo de sufrir alguna enfermedad?

Me preocupa un aspecto específico de mi vida. ¿Qué debo hacer?

¿Qué tipo de dieta es saludable para mí?

¿Qué tipo de ejercicio debo hacer?

¿Cómo puedo practicar sexo seguro?

No puedo hablar con mis padres ni mis docentes acerca de mis problemas. ¿Con quién puedo hablar?

Recursos
Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades: Información para padres con adolescentes Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales: Tome el control de su salud: una guía para adolescentes
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
Esta información proporciona una visión general y puede que no se aplique a todos. Hable con su médico de familia para averiguar si esta información se aplica a usted y para obtener más información sobre este tema.

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Adolescentes: cómo mantenerse sanos - familydoctor.org

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La salud general de una persona es mucho más que la ausencia de enfermedad. Es el estado de bienestar físico, mental y social. En última instancia, es la clave para vivir una vida productiva y satisfactoria. Se puede dividir el concepto de salud en diferentes categorías.

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COVID-19 vaccine now available for kids ages 5-11!

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COVID-19 vaccine now available for kids ages 5-11!

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) shares encouraging testimonials after children ages 5-11 receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

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COVID-19 vaccine now available for kids ages 5-11

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Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health During COVID-19 - (PODCAST)

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Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health During COVID-19 - (PODCAST)

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Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health During COVID-19

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It’s normal for children to feel stressed or anxious about change and the unknown that comes with the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychologist Nicholas Westers...

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If you or someone you know needs food assistance, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and our seven-member food banks can help to connect you with the food resources you need. Please remember that Federal and state programs are the first line of defense for those dealing with food insecurity. Ple…

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How Much Sleep Do School-Age Kids Need?

School-age kids need 9-12 hours of sleep a night. Homework, sports, and after-school activities, screen time (on computers, TVs, smartphones, and other devices), and hectic family schedules all can lead to kids not getting the sleep they need.

Kids who don't get enough sleep may be cranky, moody, or hyper, and have behavior problems. They may have trouble learning and paying attention in school.

How Can I Help My Child Sleep?

As kids get older, it's still important to have a consistent bedtime routine. Help your child create a relaxing routine. It should take about 30 minutes and can include taking a shower or bath, brushing teeth, and quiet activities like reading.

Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. Keep TVs, computers, and video game systems out of the bedroom. Turn off cellphones or charge them overnight outside of the room.

It also helps to:

Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times.

To be sure your child gets enough sleep, decide when your child needs to get up for school in the morning and count back 9-12 hours from there.

On weekends, try to stick to the sleep schedule as close as you can. Aim for sleep or wake-up times no more than an hour later than on weekdays.

Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.

Don't give your child foods or drinks with caffeine (found in coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate), especially in the late afternoon or evening.

Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise during the day. This can help kids sleep better at night.

What if My Child Has Sleep Problems?

It's common for kids to have trouble sleeping once in a while. But kids may have a sleep problem if they often can't fall asleep, wake up a lot at night, snore, or are very sleepy during the day.

Common sleep problems in kids include:

If you have questions or concerns about your child's sleep, talk with your doctor.

Date reviewed: January 2021

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School-age kids need 9-12 hours of sleep a night. Homework, sports, and after-school activities, screen time (on computers, TVs, smartphones, and other devices), and hectic family schedules all can lead to kids not getting the sleep they need.

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10 Ways To Encourage Kids to Take Medicine.

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10 Ways To Encourage Kids to Take Medicine.

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Most parents can tell you that getting a young child to take medicine can be a tough sell.

Deb McMaster, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, remembers the struggles all too well. When her son, Connor, was a toddler, he had a series of ear infections, and, she says, he quickly decided that he really hated taking medicine. "When Connor decides he doesn't want to do something, he means it," says McMaster.

Doctors agree that getting kids to take medicine, especially if they have a chronic condition, can be a challenge for any parent. "If you start out with a bad experience, it can go downhill in a hurry and become a continual challenge," warns Kimberly Giuliano, MD, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children's in Ohio. Of course, when your children are sick, you do need to find a way to get them to take that medicine.

Here are some ways around the medicine issue:
1. Have the right attitude.
"Parents need to have a positive attitude," Dr. Giuliano says. Older kids will often respond to reason and encouragement, she explains, and younger kids will take their cue from a parent's emotions. "The more frustrated we got around medication time, the more Connor resisted us," McMaster recalls.
2. Give kids some control.
For kids old enough to understand, explain why they need to take medicine. Explain how it will help them. Prepare them in advance. If there is a choice of flavors, let the child choose. Kids sometimes benefit from "medical play." Let the child practice giving medicine to a doll or stuffed animal.
3. Get help from your doctor.
"Some medications taste better than others, and some can be given twice a day instead of four times a day," Giuliano says. Your doctor may be able to choose medicines that taste better or are more concentrated and need to be taken less often. If you are having trouble, ask for help, Giuliano advises.
4. Improve the flavor.
There may be flavor options for some types of medicines. Pharmacists can use a product called FLAVORx to make medicines taste better. If your children are having trouble taking their medicine, ask your doctor about this option.
5. Add medicine to food.
In most cases, it is safe to crush a pill or open a capsule and disguise the medicine in a favorite food, Giuliano says. But, she warns, always ask your doctor first: Some pills, such as a time-release medicine, may be altered if you open or crush them. You also need to make sure your children eat all the food so they get the full dose of medicine.
6. Fool the tongue.
Some taste-deflection tips include coating the tongue with syrup or giving the child something cold, like a Popsicle, before they take medicine, or washing away the taste quickly with something sweet after they take medicine. "I often suggest dipping a spoon in chocolate syrup before filling it with medicine," Giuliano says. "The chocolate coats the tongue before the medicine goes down."
7. Bypass the tongue.
"That's the tip that worked best for us," McMaster says. "We put Connor in his high chair, pinched his cheeks, used a medicine dispenser to get the medicine into Connor's mouth, and then stroked under his chin to get him to swallow before he could spit it back out at us."

Giuliano agrees that that's a tried-and-true method. Parents can use a dropper or a syringe to get the medicines to the back or side of the tongue. But with this method you need to make sure the child is firmly supported and upright to prevent choking, Giuliano warns. "Another way to get kids to swallow is to blow gently in their face."

Can't get your kids to take meds? Set up a reward system.
8. Give a visual reward.
Older kids will often respond to a reward system. "In addition to verbal praise, give kids a sticker and put it on a calendar after they take the medicine," Giuliano suggests. "They will feel rewarded, and they will also be able to follow their progress visually on the calendar."
9. Teach kids to swallow pills.
"Kids as young as 4 can be taught to swallow pills," Giuliano says. She suggests starting by teaching them to swallow tiny pieces of candy. Some tips for swallowing include dipping capsules in cold water to make them slippery, breaking pills up into smaller pieces, and putting a pill in a lump of Jell-O.
10. When all else fails.
"Sometimes, especially with kids who need to take medicine for a long time, parents just run out of options," Giuliano says. In these cases, kids can be restrained with the help of an extra caregiver, she suggests. One gentle way to do this is a hugging restraint with the child wrapped in a blanket. Another option is getting someone other than a parent involved. "Kids may be more willing to take medicine from someone other than a parent," Giuliano says.

All told, getting kids to take medicine can be a frustrating experience for parents. But as kids get a little older, they start to understand the importance of taking medicine and may learn to swallow pills. Until then, parents will have to find the option that works best for their child.

Connor is now 6 and thankfully has no issues taking his meds. "He is over his ear infections now, and he is back to tearing around the house," McMaster says.

Keep a positive attitude and talk to your pediatrician if you need help.

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Most parents can tell you that getting a young child to take medicine can be a tough sell. Deb McMaster, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, remembers the struggles all too well. When her son, Connor, was a toddler, he had a series of ear infections, and, she says, he quickly decided that he really hated taking medicine.

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What to do if your child is ill or exposed to COVID-19?

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What to do if your child is ill or exposed to COVID-19?

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How much screen time is appropriate for babies younger than 1 year old? None, according to new guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). Babies shouldn't get any screen time before their first birthday, and parents should limit toddlers' and preschoolers' time with television, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic gadgets to an hour a day, the guidelines recommend.

Restricting the number of hours young children sit in front of screens may free up more time for physical activity, human interaction, and sleep - all critical for healthy development and preventing childhood obesity, according to the WHO. The new guidelines were developed in collaboration with WHO's Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, and will be part of WHO's Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030.
RELATED: How Much Exercise Do You Need?
"What we really need to do is bring back play for children," says Juana Willumsen, PhD, who focuses on childhood obesity and physical activity at WHO in Geneva and contributed to the new guidelines. "This is about making the shift from sedentary time to playtime, while protecting sleep."

Kids Younger Than 5 Shouldn't Be Looking at Screens for More Than 1 Hour Per Day; No Screen Time Recommended for Kids Under 2

Globally, more than 41 million children under 5 are overweight or obese, and their ranks have been swelling at an alarming rate, according to the WHO.

Inactivity is a big part of the problem. More than 23 percent of adults and 81 percent of teens worldwide don't get enough physical activity, according to a 2018 report from the WHO. And a 2018 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in the United States more than 3 out of every 4 adults are not meeting the national exercise guidelines. Habits set early in life - whether good or bad - tend to follow children through adolescence and adulthood, putting them on a path to obesity and a whole host of other chronic health problems when they're too sedentary.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Fitness
The new recommendations from WHO mark the first time the organization has set guidelines on physical activity, sedentary time, or sleep for children under 5, Dr. Willumsen says. The guidelines were based on a review of research on how child development and adult health may be impacted by behaviors learned early in life.

"The evidence we reviewed showed that increased screen time was associated with poorer motor and cognitive development and increased body weight," Willumsen says.

The sedentary time that young humans spend interacting with a caregiver, however, was found to be good for cognitive development, Willumsen adds. "So storytelling, singing, and playing with a child is good, whereas children passively watching or playing on screens with no adult input or interaction is not."

Here's what WHO says kids under 5 need every day.

For infants (younger than 1 year):

No screen time at all

A variety of physical activities several times a day, as often as possible while interacting with a caregiver. Before babies can crawl or walk, they need "tummy time" prone on the floor.

No more than 1 hour a day restrained in a high chair, stroller, or worn on a caregiver's back

Sleep including naps totaling 14 to 17 hours until 3 months old; 12 to 16 hours from 4 to 11 months old.

For toddlers (1 to 2 years old):

No sedentary screen time for 1-year-olds, an hour or less of screen time for two-year-olds

At least 180 minutes of various physical activities, spread throughout the day

No more than 1 hour a day restrained in a high chair, stroller or baby carrier

Sleep, including naps, totaling 11 to 14 hours, with regular bedtimes and wakeup times

For preschoolers (3 to 4 years old)

An hour or less of sedentary screen time

At least 180 minutes of various physical activities, spread throughout the day, with at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise

No more than 1 hour a day restrained in a high chair, stroller or baby carrier

Sleep including naps totaling 10 to 13 hours, with regular bedtimes and wakeup times

Babies and Toddlers Need Exercise, Too

Many families may mistakenly think babies are too young for physical activity, says Rachel Gross, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University School of Medicine in New York City.

"Most babies are ready for active play right from the beginning," Gross says. Even before newborns can roll over or sit up, "tummy time" in a prone position helps them get active and develop strength and coordination.

Another misconception is that shows and apps billed as educational help toddlers with cognitive and other skills, Gross says. Current research suggests the opposite - that electronic learning tools may actually hinder young children's ability to learn, according to a report published in January 2019 by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the journal Pediatrics.

For many busy families, meeting all these guidelines will mean setting new boundaries around screen time for adults, too, not just kids, says Beth Natt, MD, MPH, the director of pediatric hospital medicine and regional programs for Connecticut Children's and Western Connecticut Health Network in Danbury.

"The simplest change parents can make to their daily routine to promote healthy habits for their kids is 100 percent free but can sometimes be the most difficult to do, which is setting aside time each day to put down their devices and engage with their children," Dr. Natt says.

Imagine a child gazing at their parent staring at their phone. The child wants to play and engage naturally, but is learning that entertainment happens only on the screen, Natt explains. When the adult unplugs, even if just for a few minutes, she says: "It creates an opportunity for eye contact, active play, conversation, and movement - which are the foundations for a healthy lifestyle and good social skills."

Kids who are more active and engaged throughout the day may also have an easier time falling and staying asleep, notes Jenny Radesky, MD, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at the University of Michigan Medical School and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, who researches family digital media use and child development. (Research shows that getting adequate physical activity throughout the day is linked to falling asleep more quickly and being more likely to get sufficient sleep.)

In addition to staying active throughout the day, Dr. Radesky suggests parents help kids establish healthy sleep habits by working on a nighttime routine that calms the whole family down, Radesky advises. "Sleep helps build the neural connections that really help children develop optimally." (And we all know sleep is good for adults' health, too.)

Sleep routines help children learn how to regulate their body and calm down, and as a bonus, it can help parents de-stress, too, she says. "Read, snuggle, turn off the news, set your phones to 'do not disturb,' and tell stories or sing songs that your loved ones sang to you," Radesky suggests.
RELATED: Follow These Tips to Set a Smart Sleep Routine
Smartphones and tablets haven't been around long enough yet for there to be good long-term studies showing how shifts in screen time use, activity levels, and sleep might directly affect long-term health outcomes. The WHO recommends more research to explore the impact of its new guidelines.

Parents Should Be Questioning How Much Time Their Kids Spend Looking at Screens

While guidelines for screen time, physical activity, and sleep are new for this age group for the WHO, other health and medical groups have issued similar guidelines for babies and adolescents in this age range.

The AAP recommends against any screen time for kids under 2 and no more than an hour a day for older children in the group's aforementioned Pediatrics report from this year. The group also recommends: Toddlers 1 to 2 years old should get at least 30 minutes a day of structured physical activity and at least 60 minutes a day of active, unstructured play. Starting at age 3, kids should play outside as much as possible because this results in more physical activity than playing indoors.

Finally, the AAP also recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day for infants 4 to 12 months old; 11 to 14 hours of daily sleep for kids 1 to 2 years old; and 10 to 13 hours of daily sleep for children 3 to 5 years old.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, the Australian Government Department of Health, and other organizations across the globe have implemented similar guidelines, Willumsen noted.

The new WHO guidelines (as well as these existing ones from the AAP) are a reminder that parents should be questioning the role screens should play in their children's lives, says Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH, the director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development at Seattle Children's Research Institute.

While it may seem a stretch to some parents and caregivers to think of infants as too sedentary, the realities of modern technology have indeed made even babies less active than they should be, Dr. Christakis says.

"The changes to our lifestyles that technology has made possible are both amazing and empowering, but we must be mindful of the potential downsides in terms of their impact on our health," Christakis says. "We have come to learn that for all of us - but most especially young children - sleep, exercise, and screen time have profound effects on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development."

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WHO Issues Screen Time Guidelines for Kids Age 4 and Younger

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Babies under 2 years old should not spend any time looking at screens. Two- to 4-year-olds shouldn't be spending more than one hour per day looking at a screen. Everyone should be spending time being physically active (in age-appropriate ways).

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covid and the vaccine for child video - Bing video

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Coronavirus: How to Teach Kids About COVID-19 | BrainPOP

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Stuck at Home? Here are 30+ great Virtual Field Trips for early learners to explore from your home on your couch. From zoos and landmarks to famous museums, you can explore the world with your child with over a month of virtual field trips!

One thing that the recent global quarantine has made us all realize very clearly is that we're all part of one earth. We all have many commonalities and many things that are unique to where we live.

As we are at home, working from home and spending more time with the kids, I'd love to suggest we spend a little more time exploring this amazing planet that we've been gifted to during our lifetime.

Google Earth is such an amazing tool to use with your child to encourage them to explore the world. You can be at home on your sofa or at our desk and transport to anywhere on the earth.
Where would you want to go?
With your child start with where you live. Then go to their school and where you shop near you and then find where family and friends live. Next, explore some of their favorite spots you've vacationed and now it's time to explore where you've never been. But where do you start?

Let's start by exploring some amazing popular travel destinations that also happen to have webcams for you to step inside and explore.

Google's Art and Culture is a great resource to kick start your global search too. Did you know that Google's "World Wonders" project offers virtual tours of 132 famous sites? So many amazing virtual tours of museums for kids!!

30 Virtual Field Trips for Kids

I've put together a collection of locations for virtual field trips that I believe as a teacher and a mom that are appropriate for the kid to watch online. I'd encourage you though to talk about these locations as a family.

You can track your virtual tours with our Printable Virtual Field Trip Log!

Perhaps start working on a travel bucket list together and a virtual travel bucket list. That way your child can make their own itinerary too.
Where do you think your child wants to go to?
Animal Virtual Tours for Kid

Here's a list of all the zoos with webcams to explore.

For a little movement, try this zoo themed yoga

US History Virtual Tours

Create your own Living History Museum at home after your virtual tour!

US Landmarks Virtual Tours

US National Parks Virtual Tours

Find Your Virtual Park - Connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or neighborhood.

Museum Virtual Tours
Coloring Pages From Over 100 Museums
Virtual Tours Around the World
Recreate a famous landmark with math, art and sidewalk chalk
Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Get ready to explore these Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids with these kid friendly fall virtual tours.

Try these Leaf Activities for hands on fun in fall.

Winter Virtual Field Trips for Kids

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Explore 60+ Winter themed virtual field trips for kids.

Once you take a few winter virtual tours, explore these Winter Activities for Kids.

Spring Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Explore the best spring virtual field trips for kids. Explore moments in nature of spring flowers blooming and experience of flower-covered trees, baby animals, and the animal life cycles of spring with this ultimate collection of spring virtual field trips for kids.

Ready for Spring? Try this hands-on Spring STEM Challenge!

Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Get ready to explore these Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids! Explore the ocean, amusement parks, outdoor adventures, watermelon farms, and more with these kid friendly summer virtual tours.

Virtual Tours of Space

Live Webcams Around the World

Virtual Field Trip Activities for Home

Looking for ways to expand the virtual tour?

Once you've viewed one of the Virtual tours, you can...

Write up about what you learned

Draw a picture of your favorite part

Create a version with legos, building blocks or playdough

Find a book online to learn more about the location

Create a themed craft based on where you took a virtual tour

Recreate it with sidewalk chalk

Cook a dish from that region

DOWNLOAD OUR VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP LOG
There are so many amazing resources to explore virtually to learn about our amazing planet and the treasures and history within it.

One resource that I found to be the most amazing was Google Art and Culture resource. I high recommend exploring it as a family during this time.

Virtual Tours for Kids

Wishing you the very best as we fight this together. Take this time while you're stuck at home to explore the world virtually and help us work together to fight the spread of the Coronavirus around the world.
Parents! Check out our... 10 Tips for Working From Home With Kids Helping Kids Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19 Tips for Staying Active at Home with Kids JOIN our Virtual Book Club for Kids
Do you have a favorite virtual tour that you love? Please share with me in the comments.

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Stuck at Home? Here are 30+ great Virtual Field Trips for early learners to explore from your home on your couch. From zoos and landmarks to famous museums, you can explore the world with your child with over a month of virtual field trips!

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Access Your Child's Immunization Records!

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Access Your Child's Immunization Records!

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If you are unsuccessful in receiving your COVID-19 Vaccine Record from the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Request Portal, or want your complete immunization record (i.e., all vaccines), please complete the Immunization Record Request Form below. At this time, immunization record requests will not include a QR code.

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PTA & COVID-19: Resources To Keep School Communities Informed!

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PTA & COVID-19: Resources To Keep School Communities Informed!

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What considerations should be taken if our state PTA must cancel or postpone meeting or state conventions?

It is important to evaluate several factors including the guidance provided by the federal government, the CDC, and state and local authorities. The decision to cancel or postpone an event is complex and will vary based on the timing and type of event. There is no one set answer to this dilemma.

On March 15, 2020, the CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. Please visit the CDC Coronavirus webpage frequently for updates.

Some additional factors to consider as you are evaluating whether to hold your event include:

You should make this decision based on the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders without regard to the financial impact. The health and safety of your attendees are the priority.

No one should discuss the options you are considering with attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, hotels and vendors until a communication plan has been developed. Should this confidential information be leaked, you will lose the important opportunity to control the messaging.

Steps you may want to consider:

1. Gather all contracts relating to the event and review key clauses: force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract) may be triggered by a pandemic. Review the dispute resolution clauses, deposits, prevailing attorney fees, and method and timing of notice requirements to understand the details governing each agreement.

2. Calculate your potential liability for each agreement and prepare a summary. Your liability may be a range for each contract, so document what your minimum and maximum obligation might be.

3. Review your event cancellation coverage for the event, if applicable. Typically, a pandemic will trigger insurance coverage. Check with your insurance policy to review all cancellation riders.

4. Explore if your event or portions of it could be held virtually. Check with your parliamentarian and your state law(s) for guidance on holding events such as your annual meeting and elections using technology like webinars or teleconferences.

5. Determine a "go or no go" date. This will assist you in making a timely decision and developing a communications plan to roll-out once the decision is made.

6. Develop a communication plan on how you will sequence the messaging.

7. Have your attorney review draft notifications to attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, hotels and vendors prior to sending them.

Below are some additional references you may want to consult on a regular basis throughout your decision-making process:

From the CDC

From the Conference Direct Meeting Mentor:

From the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

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What considerations should be taken if our state PTA must cancel or postpone meeting or state conventions? It is important to evaluate several factors including the guidance provided by the federal government, the CDC, and state and local authorities. The decision to cancel or postpone an event is complex and will vary based on the timing and type of event.

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Crossword Challenge: What can you do when you're vaccinated?

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Crossword Challenge: What can you do when you're vaccinated?

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The Virginia WIC Program WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services. The goal of the Program is to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children (under 5 years) through better nutrition and access to health care. To be eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must meet categorical, residential, income, and nutrition risk requirements.

The WIC Policy and Procedure Manual specifies the requirements for operation and administration of the Virginia WIC Program in accordance with federal USDA regulations.

Apply for WIC here.

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About - Women, Infants and Children | WIC

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The Virginia WIC Program WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services. The goal of the Program is to improve the health of [...]

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Childhood Vaccination Schedule (Birth to 6 years old)

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Childhood Vaccination Schedule (Birth to 6 years old)

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Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in PreK-12 Schools

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Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in PreK-12 Schools

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Hey Parents! What should you do if your child is participating in Test to Stay?

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Hey Parents! What should you do if your child is participating in Test to Stay?

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Hey Parents! Do you know about Test to Stay (TTS)?

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Hey Parents! Do you know about Test to Stay (TTS)?

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VDH Guidance: Isolation & Quarantine Calculator.

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VDH Guidance: Isolation & Quarantine Calculator.

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VDH sends a text message to phone numbers associated with a positive reported COVID-19 test to help people act quickly and stay informed.

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms might develop sooner (2 to 4 days) with the Omicron variant compared to other variants. People with COVID-19 might not have any symptoms. If they do have symptoms, symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Isolate when you are sick or when you have a positive COVID-19 test, even if you don't have symptoms. Isolate means to stay home and away from others when you are infected.

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Isolation & Quarantine Calculator - Coronavirus

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VDH sends a text message to phone numbers associated with a positive reported COVID-19 test to help people act quickly and stay informed. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms might develop sooner (2 to 4 days) with the Omicron variant compared to other variants.

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Give your child the power to fight COVID-19!

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Give your child the power to fight COVID-19!

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VDH in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education has prepared helpful resources to keep children healthy this school year, including information on COVID-19, immunizations, child well visits, routine oral health, and mental health resources.

We have also shared a number of resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including their website for parents, healthychildren.org [Español ].

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K-12 Education and Child Care - Coronavirus

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VDH in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education has prepared helpful resources to keep children healthy this school year, including information on COVID-19, immunizations, child well visits, routine oral health, and mental health resources. We have also shared a number of resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including their website for parents, healthychildren.org [Español ].

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On Friday, December 17, CDC updated a Science Brief to include guidance on Test to Stay (TTS) programs and published two papers evaluating the effectiveness of this strategy for K-12 students. In short, CDC now advises that schools may consider the use of TTS to minimize the impact of quarantine and limit school absences after a SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the K-12 school setting.

VDH recognizes the importance of in-person learning as it relates to the academic, social and behavioral health of our children and adolescents. We are also committed to providing recommendations to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff have as safe an environment as possible.

Please see below links for summary of VDH guidance on the implementation of Test to Stay programs in Virginia schools.

TTS is a resource-intensive effort that will require planning and commitment at the local school level to be successful. VDH will provide test kits to participating schools, protocol and guidance, and technical assistance through the School Support Unit.

VDH encourages schools to review the protocol, webinar, and implementation checklist to assess for readiness in implementing Test to Stay. Please visit this page regularly to remain up to date on program developments and resources.

Please note that all guidance is subject to change pending any updated CDC or VDH Guidance.

These are resources schools may use to help implement Test to Stay. Schools should not return these documents to VDH or to the School Support Unit.

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On Friday, December 17, CDC updated a Science Brief to include guidance on Test to Stay (TTS) programs and published two papers evaluating the effectiveness of this strategy for K-12 students. In short, CDC now advises that schools may consider the use of TTS to minimize the impact of quarantine and limit school absences after a SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the K-12 school setting.

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Still deciding about the vaccine? Check out this brief resource for more information! (Spanish, version available)

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Still deciding about the vaccine? Check out this brief resource for more information! (Spanish, version available)

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Cozy Up With A Good Book: Read-Aloud Storytime!

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Cozy Up With A Good Book: Read-Aloud Storytime!

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kids stories reading parents "read aloud" "read along" "read aloud books animated" "bedtime stories" storytime "picture books" "books for elementary school" education "learn to read" books language "teaching tools" "reading channel" "children's books" "stories for kids" preschool kindergarten

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Brightly Storyime brings you full-length picturebooks read out loud by our storyteller, Ms. Linda. Drop by for a new video every week! Brightly is a resource...