Kids Need To Exercise, Eat Right, Brush Your Teeth…Repeat!

Kids Music & Wellness

Music is often a part of everyday life, and research shows that music affects mental, physical and emotional states. These qualities make it a valuable and effective tool in helping kids and families recover health and well-being. At Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, the music therapist uses music in individual and group therapy sessions to help kids and families cope with pain, stress, fear, isolation, medical procedures and being in the hospital. For adults, music can improve heart health, relieve pain and anxiety and even enhance memory, improving attention and focus. It is beneficial for a child to listen and take part in music even if it is just using a child’s piano or a triangle!

Fit4AllKids: Johns Hopkins Kids

All Children’s Hospital is helping children and teens manage their weight and make healthy choices about food and exercise. The fun and interactive programs encourage kids and families to do their personal best and reach their individual goals by teaching valuable culinary skills and providing the latest nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Fit4Allkids participants accomplish the following outcomes for better health:

• Decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Improved overall health by lowering blood pressure, which helps avoid the possible onset of heart disease.
• Replacing high calorie and high fat foods with great tasting, healthy recipes that are budget friendly and easy to make.
• Increased levels of fitness and activity. They are having fun playing and enjoying a new active lifestyle.

Kids Healthy Teeth

Looking for a warm and caring child-friendly dentist? Smile Builders’ pediatric dentists Robyn B. Lesser, DMD and Donna Nichols, DMD specialize in preventative care and treatment for kids. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits every six months to the pediatric dentist, beginning at your child’s first birthday. For more tips, visit smilebuilders4kids.com

Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the leftover food particles that combine to create cavities. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.

For older kids, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your kids.

When Sad Kids Need Help

The symptoms of depression in children vary and are often undiagnosed and untreated, especially in young children. The primary symptoms of depression revolve around sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, and mood changes. Signs and symptoms of depression in children may include irritability or anger, social withdrawal, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of interest in hobbies or school, difficulty concentrating, low energy and feelings of worthlessness. The triggers can be stress, bullying, abuse or underlying physical conditions.

Jaqueline Hubbard MD can help families and children at any age. Dr. Hubbard is a dual board certified psychiatrist operating a private practice with board certifications in general psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry. With some Saturday hours and telehealth options, Dr. Hubbard provides customized, accessible support for the entire family. “I enjoy and value working with an interdisciplinary team, including therapists, primary care providers, other specialists and even relevant school personnel as appropriate and approved by you for your child or teenager’s overall care,” says Dr. Hubbard, who is based in St. Petersburg. hubbardmd.com

Read more Health and Wellness Editorials for Adults and Kids.