With demands of busy work schedules, school activities, and other stress and distractions, it’s a struggle for most people to get into healthy routines for themselves. However, one of the most important things caregivers can do for their children is promote a healthy lifestyle and make family health a priority. Children aren’t likely to change their habits on their own, so it’s up to us as parents to make it easier for the family to make healthier choices.

Ways to keep your family healthy include:

• Eat meals together. Eat a well-balanced meal as a family whenever possible. Have the kids pick healthy foods at the store and allow them to help prepare the food. This is also a great way to improve family bonding.
• Practice good sleep hygiene. Adequate sleep can support fighting off infection, healing, concentration, memory, and mood. Make bedrooms sleep friendly and stick to a sleep schedule.
• Take technology breaks. Limit screen time for your kids to no more than 1-2 hours daily. Don’t allow cell phones or TV during mealtime and turn off all electronics at least 30-45 minutes before bed.
• Get active as a family. There are plenty of ways to get in exercise as a family like taking an evening walk, going on a bike ride, playing catch, swimming, and even gardening are a few examples
• Schedule regular health checkups. Make sure the whole family is staying on top of their well visits and are up-to-date on vaccinations and screenings.
• Simplify your family schedule. In today’s world, we’re expected to do it all. We rush around trying to fit in all activities and obligations. But this non-stop lifestyle isn’t sustainable or healthy. As a person and a parent, you have a choice in how busy you become. Try to prioritize your families’ activities so you’ll have more time for things that are truly important and matter.
• Schedule a family night. Designate one night a week as “family night” and plan an activity to do together. Rotate who gets to choose the activity each week to ensure everyone’s interests are included.
• Live by example. We need to do the best to walk the walk. If we want others to lead healthier lifestyles, then we need to show them and model that behavior.

Click here to read more in the latest issue of Highmark’s Plan for Health Newsletter.