10 SIGNS THAT YOUR KIDS ARE HEALTHY | On the right track?

10 signs that your kids are healthy

Seeing the following ten signs of healthy growth in your child will assure you that he or she is progressing and developing healthily.

It can be hard sometimes to tell if you and your child are on the right track, development-wise. Learning to recognise the signs of good health in growing kids, who are growing and learning optimally, will provide you with the knowledge to act when there is any irregularity. Being able to tell when your child is progressing healthily also provides a sense of achievement and of being more in control as a parent.

GOOD SLEEP

It is a good sign when children get enough uninterrupted sleep daily - for overall mental and physical health: Infants: 12-16 hours 1-2 years old: 11-14 hours 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours

PHYSICAL GROWTH

Your child’s weight should be normal for her age and height. A healthy child has a good ratio and is therefore getting enough nutrients. If your child is very under weight or excessively over weight, consult your paediatrician.

Teeth that are solid and clean reveal that your child’s nutrition and natural dental hygiene are fine. You can start cleaning your baby’s teeth by brushing with a small soft toothbrush. At 18 months you can start using a tiny amount of low-flouride toothpaste.

FREQUENT

BOWEL MOVEMENTS

You know your child is getting enough fibre when she or he produces a “poo” regularly. It also suggests a healthy immune system.

HEALTHY APPETITE

Healthy kids are willing to eat from multiple food groups especially fruit and vegetables.

ACTIVE

Desiring play and being active for at least 15 minutes multiple times during the day indicates good health.

SELDOM SICK

If your child is seldom sick and is rarely injured by tumbles, this suggests that child development is progressing smoothly - bones are strong and the immune system is tops.

A HAPPY LEARNER

If your child learns quickly and is enthusiastic about it, it shows that he or she is getting enough nutrients for brain development.

CORRECT POSTURE

Correct posture suggests a good self-esteem as well as a sufficient diet, as it means there are enough nutrients to strengthen bones and the musculoskeletal system.

ALERT AND LIVELY

If your child is inquisitive and alert this is an indication that nutrients are being absorbed properly.

D O C T OR

Did you know that 1 in 2 children may be affected by worms2?

R ECOM M E NDED 1

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References: 1: Vermox HCP Claims Study, Study completed for Johnson & Johnson (PTY) LTD, Prepared by Kantar South Africa (PTY) LTD, May 2017. African Health Sciences 2005;(2): 131-136. 2. Adams V, Markus M et al, Paradoxical helminthiasis and giardiasis in Cape Town, South Africa: epidemiology and control. African Health Sciences 2005;(2): 131-136.