Helping your children establish healthy habits from an early age is one of the best gifts you can give them. The Snohomish County Health Department has put together a helpful guide to walk parents through the ABCs of healthy habits, starting with the basics of annual check-ups, dental hygiene, vaccinations, and hydration. Here’s what you need to know to keep your child on track:
A is for Annual Well-Child Visits
Annual well-child visits are an important part of your child's healthcare. These check-ups help you stay on top of their physical, social, and emotional development. During these appointments, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, stay current on vaccinations, and catch any health concerns early.
Good news – well-child visits are typically covered by insurance, including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). If your child doesn’t currently have insurance, you can learn more and sign up online.
Want to make doctor visits fun for kids? Try out the interactive tools like the doctor tools matching game and a video on the 5 perks of well-child visits to make the experience more engaging.
B is for Brush and Floss Daily
Dental health is vital to your child’s overall wellness. Establishing good habits like brushing and flossing daily can prevent health issues later on. Even babies need dental care! Make sure your baby sees a dentist by the time they get their first teeth or when they turn one.
You can find helpful resources like a tooth care chart, coloring pages, and tips to get your little ones excited about brushing their teeth on our Dental Health page. Watch this video on tips to get your kids brushing their teeth.
C is for COVID and Flu Vaccines
Protecting your child from illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu is easier with vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 5 and older, with younger children expected to be eligible soon. Vaccination is free and greatly reduces the risk of severe illness.
Annual flu shots are also recommended for children 6 months and older. Try to get your child’s flu shot before the end of October to stay protected during flu season. Check out the vaccine word search and handwashing activity to make learning about health fun.
D is for Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is a key to good health. Water helps regulate body temperature, process waste, and cushion joints. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, especially before and after physical activity. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, which can lead to health problems down the line.
For fun hydration ideas, try out the fancy flavored water recipes and hydration habits activities to teach your child the importance of drinking water.
By incorporating these ABCs of healthy habits into your family’s routine, you’ll be setting your kids up for a healthy and happy future. For more resources and interactive tools in English and Spanish, visit the Snohomish County Health Department’s website! Make sure to stay tuned as we introduce the other letters soon!
Sign up today for our weekly Macaroni KID Marysville/Snohomish newsletter so you never miss a thing!
Macaroni KID Everett-Marysville-Snohomish-Lake Stevens-Mukilteo is a free local calendar, weekly e-newsletter, and website focused on fun family events and information in Everett, Marysville, Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Mukilteo and beyond. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused local businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, and more. We proudly serve families in the Snohomish County area.
Sign up today to receive our weekly FREE e-newsletter! Check out our event calendar!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
