August Healthy Summer Challenge
Published: August 1, 2022
Each month this Summer, the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living has been focusing on ways to stay healthy while school is out. In June, we shared nutritious challenges and healthy food substitutions for a balanced diet. In July, we challenged you to incorporate more physical activity into your day. For the month of August, we’re focusing on promoting good sleep habits and mental health with our Healthy Summer Challenge calendar. This is the perfect month to build healthy sleep habits before the school year begins, as good sleep is essential to good health!
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quality sleep reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Getting adequate sleep means children are also less likely to have attention and behavior problems, which means they are more likely to have better academic performance outcomes. Our Texas Child Health Status Report on sleep quality showcases the current state of sleep for children in Texas.
One of our challenges in building healthy sleep habits this month is to get nine or more hours of sleep per night. To check that box, use these tips from our Texas Child Health Status Report on Sleep Quality to improve your child’s sleep quality:
- Remove TV, computers, and other electronic devices from bedrooms
- Ensure bedrooms are sleep-friendly: dark, cool, and quiet
- Follow a sleep schedule and consistent bedtime routine
- Teach children about the importance of sleep for health, sport, and academic performance
- Follow a regular schedule for exercise and mealtimes
- Encourage outdoor activities and a healthy diet
Joining our challenge is easy. Download and print our pdf calendar below, then hang it up somewhere you and your kids can easily see. Cross off or put a sticker on each completed challenge and see how many you can do this month! We’d love to hear how you’re staying healthy this summer, so follow and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!
