TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - If your goal is to get healthier in the new year, WIC Director Dykibria Gaskin recommends focusing on eating, sleeping, and exercising. When it comes to proper nutrition, use the food pyramid as your guide.
"All food groups are important," advises Gaskin, "so you don't want to omit vegetables or fruit or foods with calcium or even omit whole grain from their diet. They are also very important to include every day."
Getting more sleep this year is another great goal. Gaskin says kids need a minimum of six or seven hours of shut eye each night.
"For children, if they're in school, if they are so sleep deprived, they can't focus on studies, can't focus on things they are doing," says Gaskin, "so just getting enough sleep can help them with their everyday school activities."
Finally, don't forget about exercise. No matter how young, kids of all ages need to exercise every day.
"Our bodies are designed to move, our brain loves it, our heart loves exercise, and it encourages a strong heart and reduces the risks of chronic diseases, especially in children," Gaskin says.
Proper nutrition, enough sleep and plenty of exercise can lead to a healthier lifestyle, which in turn, can lead to better living and learning.
