Child health

Nutrition and fitness are the cornerstones of children's health.

To give your child a head start on lifelong fitness, consider children's sports and other kid-friendly physical activities. With your encouragement, chances are a few sports will spark your child's interest. And consider other classic tips from children's health experts, such as promoting activity — not exercise — and setting a good example yourself.

You can also promote children's health by encouraging your child to eat a variety of healthy foods and control portion sizes. Learn which nutrients are necessary, in what amounts and how the guidelines change as a child grows older.

Of course, other children's health issues matter, too — such as vaccines, child safety and school health. Share any concerns you might have about children's health with your child's doctor.

Preschoolers

Why do preschoolers resist going to bed? What are the most important developmental milestones for preschoolers? What do preschoolers need to know about sex? Welcome to the world of preschool children's health! Get answers to these and other common questions about preschoolers.

Making conscious choices about preschool children's health today can lead to good habits and good behavior throughout childhood. After all, teaching your preschooler to make healthy food choices now sets the stage for a lifelong healthy diet. Putting childhood bedtime problems to rest can ensure good sleep for both you and your preschooler for years to come. And understanding typical preschool developmental milestones can help you monitor your preschooler's growth and development.

Elementary students

Concerns about elementary students typically focus on school issues — such as bullying, school nutrition and sex education.

Childhood bullying and school violence can have lifelong consequences for elementary students. If your child is concerned about bullies, listen to his or her worries. Then help your child create a plan to stop bullying in its tracks.

When talk of elementary children's health turns to sex education, remember that elementary students don't need a single tell-all discussion. Follow your child's cues about what he or she needs to know — and when.

It's also important to know why elementary students get sick so often and the best ways to prevent illness in the classroom. Better yet, you can use the same tips to prevent spreading illness at home.