From the School Nurse
Mrs. Julia Lohmeyer
Getting off to a great start
A few tips to get off to a healthy start
Teenage years come with a lot of stresses, including the pressures to fit in and do well in school. Having a few healthy habits can help young people to keep up with everything. And it is important to remember that the healthy habits they take up now they will carry with them throughout the rest of their life.
Some simple tips include:
Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and well-being of young people. They should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, including energetic activities that make them ‘huff and puff’. Parents should try to be good role models and have a positive attitude to being active.
Water is the best way to quench your thirst – and it doesn’t come with the added sugar found in fruit juices, soft drinks and other sweetened drinks. It is better to eat a whole piece of fruit, rather than fruit juices that have a lot of sugar.
3. Eat more fruit and vegetables
Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps young people grow and develop, increases their energy and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. Have fresh fruit available as snacks and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal.
4. Get enough sleep
Teenagers need at least nine hours of sleep each night to function at their best during the day. Set a regular bedtime time that allows for nine hours of sleep and encourage “quiet time” (without screens) prior to bedtime. The goal is for all electronics to be turned off and removed from the bedroom for the night so that the brain and body to relax. Quiet time may involve listening to (quiet) music or reading a book.
5. Don’t forget good hygiene
Puberty is a time when young people really need to be on top of all the hygiene basics. Having a shower each day, using deodorant, washing hair, cleaning teeth, changing clothes frequently and regular hand washing will help them to not only be healthy, but also to fit in with their friends.