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‘High Five for Health’ will help students, parents to stay healthy, strong this summer — for success in fall


High Five for Health is a partnership between the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Department of Education that informs Kentucky students in grades K-12 and their parents of five habits they can form this summer to set themselves up for a successful school year.

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This multi-faceted education and awareness effort that includes animated videos, social media graphics, message points and materials to be distributed at sporting events, youth organizations and various other locations.

Download the toolkit here.

The “High Five for Health” summer 2022 campaign encourages Kentuckians to:
 
1. Prioritize physical activity.


Regular physical activity is one of the most important aspects to overall health. Physical activity improves sleep quality, brain health and cognitive thinking and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Encourage your child to strive for 60 minutes of physical activity daily.


2. Practice healthy eating.


Choosing wholesome foods is important, particularly for children and teens as they grow and develop. Healthy eating leads to stable energy, strong bones, muscles and teeth, improved mental health and helps children maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases. Summer break is the perfect time to experiment with new recipes and food groups your child may enjoy during the school year.


3. Monitor chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity and diabetes.


It’s important for parents and children to know the symptoms and warning signs of certain chronic conditions like asthma, obesity and diabetes. Wheezing and coughing are two of the most common signs of asthma, but other conditions may be harder to spot. Whether it’s creating a schedule to check blood sugar levels or implementing regular exercise, talk with your child now so they’re prepared when school starts.


4. Stay up to date on vaccines.


Take time to get caught up on “well” check-ups and dentist appointments this summer. Meet with your pediatrician to make sure your child is up to date on all immunizations and your family dentist to practice good oral hygiene.

5. Manage stress and emotions.


People with strong social-emotional learning skills are better able to cope with everyday stressors and challenges. Social-emotional learning is the process of developing self-control and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work and life success. A few activities to strengthen those skills include coloring, journaling, meditation or listening to music. Summer break is when students get to pursue what they enjoy. Use this time to find outlets that work for your child when they get angry, upset, or down on themselves.


Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky


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