Health & Fitness
Getting your child ready for a healthy life starts early. Healthy eating and physical activity habits are very important, and need support from the whole family. Here are some resources to help your child have a healthy start to their elementary school years. When children are not at their healthiest it may keep them from attending school, which takes away valuable learning time in their education.
Healthy Development
Speech, Language and Hearing
For more information about ensuring your child’s speech, language and hearing health, check out this helpful guide from the American Speech—Language-Hearing Association.
View Guide
Dental Health
Good oral health is a part of your child’s foundation for a healthy life.
If dental care is outside your family’s budget, the Metro Health Dental Program may be able to help. Learn More
Vision Health
1 out of every 4 children struggle with reading and learning because of undiagnosed vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid future learning frustrations and setbacks.
Sleep
When young children don’t get enough sleep, it can affect their mood, behavior, eating habits, and ability to focus during the day.
Helpful Links
Physical Activity
Why do elementary-age children need physical activity?
Today’s children are four times less active in their day-to-day lives than their grandparents were, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Being active helps your child stay healthy, learn good habits early, gives them an outlet for natural energy, and keeps them from high risk of obesity and other health problems throughout life.
How much physical activity does my child need?
Physical activity can be playing actively, family fun such as hiking or swimming, and anything that gets your child moving!
- Tips to get moving
- How Much Time Your Child Needs for Physical Activity
Engage in physical activity each day: a total of 60 minutes for children (age 6+), 30 minutes for adults.
How do we get started with physical activity?
Getting active can be free and easy.
- Encourage your children to watch for wildlife.
- Go on a scavenger hunt.
- Picnic in the park
- Make art from nature
- Play with dirt and mud
- Watch the clouds
Ideas for Getting Active at the Park
Going to the Doctor
Finding a Medical Home
Today, a child needs a home base for medical and non-medical care supported by a partnership between you, the parent or caregiver, your family, and your primary doctor or provider. If you have insurance, it is likely you have already established a medical home with a personal doctor. If you have not yet enrolled in medical insurance for your family, this is an important step to secure the medical support your child needs for healthy development.
Get help enrolling in San Antonio
Well-Child Visits
Why are Well-Child Visits important?
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. At this exam, the health care provider will check your child’s growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Your child should have more pediatric well-child visits when they are younger and developing the fastest. Each visit includes a complete physical examination. Even if your child is healthy, well-child visits are an important time to focus on your child’s wellness. Learn more about well-child visits here.
Immunizations
The use of vaccines has led to major improvements in child health over a relatively short period. Many of the infectious illnesses you or your parents had as children, from chickenpox to polio to measles, no longer affect most children today because of immunizations.
Reminder: Immunizations are required by law
Students who have not completed immunizations will not be allowed to register for kindergarten.
