The 2023-24 school year is in full swing, and many school-aged children -- typically from kindergarten to early adolescence -- are developing behaviors that can last for their entire life, meaning it’s crucial for families to encourage the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle now, rather than later.
Here is what physicians at Statesboro Urgent Care recommend:
Diet
Doctors recommend for children and adults to focus appropriate portion sizes and the balanced intake of:
- Fruits and vegetable
- Whole grains
- Low-fat and nonfat dairy products
- Beans
- Fish and lean meats
It is recommended that children learn health dietary lifestyles by limiting:
- Sugar beverages
- Fast food
- Highly processed foods
Physical Activity
Research recommends that children be active for 60 minutes every day, which can range from moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise.
This can be encouraged from structured activities -- especially at school -- and through parents modeling active lifestyles.
Sleep
11 hours of sleep each night is ideal for school-aged children. Those who do not get enough sleep could experience behavioral issues, difficulty concentrating, and obesity.
Dental Care
It is recommended that children visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. They should also brush their teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. It is also recommended to floss daily when a child’s teeth begin to touch.
Screen Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that screen time for children is limited to 1-2 hours of quality programming per day.
Children with higher screen times are at a greater risk for having obesity and a negatively impacted body image and school performance.
Safety
Families should seek guidance on safety regarding firearms, sports, traffic, and water.
Sexual Activity
Sexually active adolescents should be counseled on how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and should be screened for these infections depending on circumstances.
High-Risk Behaviors
Physicians recommend to begin communicating directly with children, starting at age 11, about alcohol and drug use.
Visit Statesboro Urgent Care today
Save time! Book online for in-person or telehealth appointments
Statesboro Urgent Care offers in-person or teleheath online appointments. You can get in line before you leave your home by CLICKING HERE. This helps reduce your wait time.
Statesboro's only locally owned urgent care
Expect fast, efficient, and caring service from Statesboro Urgent Care's compassionate staff as they attend to all urgent and non-life-threatening medical issues you may have.
Their facility is Statesboro's only locally owned and operated urgent care. Owners and local physicians Dr. Ian Munger, DO, and Dr. Sreevalli Dega, MD, also provide physician coverage daily along with Dr. Alan Scott. Statesboro Urgent Care is the only urgent care with a physician on-site daily.
“We strive to deliver what’s best for our community,” Dr. Sreevalli Dega said. “Understanding Statesboro’s needs helps us practice the best medicine.”
Statesboro Urgent Care is on a mission to become your go-to community urgent care center.
Their office is located at 1176 Brampton Avenue in Statesboro.
They are open:
- Monday through Friday - 8 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday - 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday - 12 PM to 6 PM
Call now to schedule an appointment at 912-259-9474. You can also walk in or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here.
