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Keeping children active and healthy

How you can keep your children active and healthy through exercise and healthy eating

We all want our children to be healthy and happy. But in a world where life has been made much easier by cars, screens and convenience food, it’s hardly surprising that a growing number of children risk becoming overweight.

Physiotherapists and dietitians know that many of these children are likely to remain overweight as adults unless they exercise and eat well.

Fortunately there are lots of things you can do to ensure children get the activity they need and develop healthy eating habits.

Getting kids active

Being overweight can put kids at risk of some serious medical conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer and can put unnecessary stress on their growing bones.

There are many ways you can get your children or pupils exercising, from organised activities like sports, walking to and from school every day or by just helping out around the house.

Get your kids moving
Children playing football outside

Healthy eating for kids

What children eat now can influence their diets later in life, so it's important to instil good habits and a healthy relationship with food.

A healthy diet is about balance and variety. Children need their 5-a-day and should be getting nutrition from a variety of sources. You can help them develop healthy eating habits and explore new foods - it doesn't have to be boring!

Healthy eating
Children eating lunch at school

Children's bone, joint and muscle pain

Parents and carers of young children will often seek medical advice regarding the skeletal development of their child. Children’s bones often develop in a way that can cause concern but is actually entirely normal.

Our information is designed to be a guide for parents/carers regarding when to seek medical advice.

Children’s bone, joint and muscle health
ill child