National Health Education Week

Hicksville Pediatrics Every year during the third week of October we celebrate National Health Education Week. The goal of the week is to help build a healthier society by promoting the importance of health education, raising awareness of major public health issues, and encouraging conversations on various health concerns. Major health issues addressed during the week have included the role of technology in health education, the impact of the environment on one’s health, and the emergence of mobile healthcare, among other topics. However, one of the most significant aspects of National Health Education Week, and one that Pediatric Associates of Plainview is particularly passionate about is raising awareness for the importance of health education among children and for comprehensive health education programs in schools. If you’re interested in our Hicksville Pediatrics, please schedule your appointment today by visiting our website.

The Importance of Health Education in the Classroom

Ensuring schools fully educate children on the components of a healthy lifestyle is of the utmost importance, as providing a child with a complete health education has numerous benefits. It serves as an introduction to a child’s body and creates a foundation for how they will perceive their health going forward. It motivates children to make healthier choices and raises their awareness of risks to their health previously unknown to them. It increases their knowledge of fundamental topics around health, such as nutrition, mental health, substance abuse, and sexual behavior. Simply put, a child who receives a full health education will have a comprehensive understanding of how they can care for themselves and their health. If you feel your child isn’t receiving a quality health education or have concerns that you feel your child’s school education isn’t addressing, make an appointment at Pediatric Associates of Plainview for Hicksville Pediatrics! We can meet with you and your child directly and potentially address your concerns.

The Role of Parents

Ultimately, it is the role of the parents to ensure their child receives a complete health education. This includes not only ensuring your child is properly educated at school but speaking to them directly at home. If you feel your child isn’t fully informed on a specific health issue, or you want to reinforce certain values or behaviors, have a meaningful discussion with your child about your concerns. It’s also important to have education inevitably translate to healthy behavior. Healthy habits should be instilled at a young age, before the onset of unhealthy habits and risky behavior. If you are a parent of a young child, be certain that they are eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and have healthy interactions and relationships with other children. And remember, you are your child’s role model. Your habits and choices can impact their behavior.

Finally, an important part of any child’s health is routine checkups and doctors’ visits. If your child hasn’t seen a pediatrician recently, contact Pediatric Associates of Plainview for Hicksville Pediatrics and schedule your appointment today.