Healthy Kids Now - Spring/Summer 2022

healthy kids now
The lifelong benefits
of reading with your Hchild
as your child ever begged for just
one more bedtime story? A good book can be so much fun.You can also set the course for better learning and a stronger bond through reading.
A smart start
It’s never too early to start story time.You can start when your child is an infant, when their brain is quickly developing. Reading strengthens their language skills, even when they’re very young.
As your child grows older, they can learn kindness and empathy for others
.
• learn new vocabulary
• connect words to pictures
• understand stories
• build social skills
• improve behavioral skills
Better social and behavioral skills also mean greater emotional well- being and a higher quality of life. Down the road, early reading skills can lead to greater success in school.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health
Bonding over books
Keep reading aloud to your child, even after they can read for themselves.
A few minutes a day together can strengthen the bond between you and your child. It might even help reduce a parent’s or caregiver’s stress and depression.
Try reading different types of books as your child grows. Always keep it fun so that your child
doesn’t think of reading as a chore. Sometimes that means reading the same book many times if that’s what your child picks!
SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Benefits underwritten by Keystone Health Plan East, a subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
COOL DOWN WITH A SWEET, HEALTHY TREAT FROM THE RECIPE ON PAGE 5.
LOOK INSIDE
Give your child
the healthiest start 2
Help your child play it safe during the pandemic 4
Intense exercise helps children’s hearts 6
through books It also helps them: