Summer is underway and the kids are out of school.
Without the rigors of school scheduling, it’s easy for kids to get lazy and raid the pantry. How can you keep your kids' health on track over the summer?
Physical Activity
Your kid may need motivation to go outside. Encourage him to learn a new sport or practice a new activity outside. Childhood habits become healthy behavior in adults. Put your child in summer camp if you can afford it since summer camp provides structure and lots of activities.
Nutrition
To curb the summer gorging, help your child learn when she is full on her own. Don't demand she finishes a plate of food that's filled by an adult before getting evening dessert. Make it okay to have dessert after eating enough healthy dinner. Provide healthy desserts. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks.
Bugs & Ticks
Mosquito concerns are high this year. Dress your child in long pants and sleeves for mosquito protection. Check your kid after outdoor play for ticks. Ticks like to cling inside the sock line, between the fingers and toes, behind the ears and in tender spots. Spray insect repellent on clothing. Don't use a full dose in little kids or on the hands; you don't want bug spray fingers going in tiny mouths.
Sun Safety
Encourage sunscreen usage. SPF sticks are easy for kids to use and encourage good sun habits. Use your own sun damage experiences to urge your older kids to wear sunblock. Gone are the days of slathering in baby oil and spending hours in the sun.
Pools & Beaches
Summertime also encompasses water fun. Keep it fun by practicing water safety. Monitor your kids. Learn CPR in hopes you never have to use it. Put a fence around your swimming pool. Kids who can't swim must wear life jackets in the pool. Everyone must wear a life jacket when boating.
Listen in as Dr. Jennifer Haythe shares tips to keep your kid healthy this summer.
Keeping Your Kids' Health on Track this Summer
Keep your child healthy and safe this summer.
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 3
- Audio File: health_radio/1626ml4c.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Jennifer Haythe, MD
- Guest Website: Columbia University Medical Center
- Guest Twitter Account: @DrJennHaythe
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Guest Bio:
Dr. Jennifer Haythe is a practicing Cardiologist as well as the Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, Co-Director for the Women’s Center for Cardiovascular Health, Director of the Adult Pulmonary Hypertension Center and Director of Cardiac Obstetric Service.
Born in New York City, and raised in both Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut, Dr. Haythe used her competitiveness and determination as a horseback rider at Greenwich Academy to excel at academics as well. Never one to sit still for long, Dr. Haythe knew early on that a regular desk job would not work for her. Drawing on an early love of science and desire to help others made pursuing a career in the medical field a natural fit.
Dr. Haythe went earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, and went on to complete her medical training and residency at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2003. Initially planning a career in Pulmonary Critical Care, Dr. Haythe decided to switch to Cardiology after speaking with her mentor Dr. Donna Mancini.
Upon completing a fellowship for congestive-heart failure-cardiac transplants in 2005 (under Dr. Mancini), and cardiovascular diseases fellowship in 2009, Dr. Haythe began practicing at Columbia University Medical Center. Her specialties include pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and cardiac transplant.
Despite Cardiology being a heavily male dominated medical field, Dr. Haythe has become a sought after specialist in New York City, with particular interest in both chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and the care of pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Haythe continues to find her own motivation and determination through the strong patient and family relationships she has forged, and the gratification of helping her patients get a new life with a heart transplant or assist devices, allowing patients to be able to live a full life with their families, as well as helping pregnant women safely deliver children and be able to care for them with post-delivery health care.
Dr. Haythe lives and practices in New York City. When not working, she enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, boxing and yoga, as well as spending time with her husband, Eli and their two children. - Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Host: Melanie Cole, MS
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