Healthy Bodies and Minds

Staying Fit Over Summer

The end of the school year is the perfect time to think about your child's physical and mental health. It is important to have fun during the summer and relax after a long school year, but the summer is also a great time to check in on our kids’ mental and physical health. Here are some key things to consider for your child’s health as the summer begins:

1. Annual Physical

Why is this important? Routine check-ups at your child’s pediatric provider ensure your child is ready for summer activities (e.g. sports, camps) and check on their growth patterns, development and school progress. It is a time to address any concerns you may have about their overall health and for kids to learn about their growth and what to expect.

What's involved? Measurement of weight, height, and BMI as well as vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse are recorded. A head-to-toe exam (e.g. checking ears and eyes, listening to their heart and lungs) including skin and movements/balance. Completion of necessary school forms, sports forms, age-appropriate safety education, guidance on growth and development and needed vaccinations are all included.

2. Mental Health Screenings

Why is this important? These screenings are important to identify how your child is dealing with stress. Symptoms that they are struggling with may go overlooked during the busy school year and day-to-day routines.
What can you look out for? Is your child showing signs of feeling sad or anxious? The signs of depression or anxiety in kids are often subtle but can involve withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, like connecting with close friends or going to the park, eating too much or undereating, restlessness or being more fidgety than normal.

3. Managing Summer Boredom and Screen Time

Why it matters: Sometimes when school is out and there is no routine, boredom can set in. For many children and teens, this can mean excessive screen time which can lead to less sleep, poor memory, and being more distracted. More screen time could also lead to less physical activity and weight gain.

What can I do?

  1. Help your children plan out their daily activities. It’s easy to fall into the screen-time trap when they don’t have planned activities. They will often be more excited if they are part of the planning process!
  2. Set limits on screen time and follow through with them. The AAP recommends no more than 2 hours of screen-time per day for any age. 
  3. Have regular sit-down meals, and don’t allow screens during these times. 
  4. Avoid blue-light emitting screens for the two hours prior to bedtime. 

 Additional Resources

Joseph Whitmore, DO, PGY-1

BayCare Pediatric Residency Program

Three children standing together, holding hands high above their heads, showcasing a moment of joy and friendship.