Keep summer active for kids: Kaiser Permanente MD

Keeping children active and busy this summer may be a challenge for parents especially as camps, sports and other activities are cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19. However, Kaiser Permanente pediatricians stress it’s still important to keep kids moving throughout the day – even while at home.

“Being active is important for children’s physical and mental health,” said Dr. Doug Balster, Chief of Pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center. “As a pediatrician, I recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.”

With two teenagers and a 7-year-old at home, Balster and his wife, also a physician, understand how easily children can be lured to their phones, computers and tablets.

“Planning activities ahead is the key and having a schedule helps,” Balster said. “It’s important for families to plan intellectually -stimulating activities that keep children’s minds active and away from their screens.”

Plan outdoor activities, but make sure to take appropriate precautions, including wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. As long as the children are moving, the activities don’t have to be sports related: hiking, biking, backyard obstacle courses, even gardening can be a physical activity.

And there can be some screen time in those plans: if it’s limited. The recommendation is no more than two hours a day.

“We involve the children in the planning, of course,” Dr. Balster said of his own children. “It’s important they have a say and agree to the schedule for the next week.”

Limiting social media use also improves children’s mental health, Dr. Balster said. Children can become less energetic or subject to outbursts when they overdo the screen time. Dr. Balster said it’s important to avoid the long days of “eating junk-food, watching tv and then going to bed late at night.”

OTHER TIPS FOR STAYING HEATLHY:

• Stay hydrated
• Wear clothes appropriate for the activity
• Eat healthy foods
• Get enough sleep