OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Health Department of Marion County wants to make sure your child is getting back into their routine early in the school year by keeping kids strong from the inside out. Health experts say your child’s overall health can be fostered through eating nutritious foods, getting regular physical exercise, and maintaining good sleep habits.
Proper nutrition is essential for kids to grow and develop. Focus on fruits, veggies, and protein. Limit sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.
Encourage your child to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Get them involved in organized sports or just actively playing at the park.
Sleep is just as important to your child’s development as nutrition and physical activity. Kids who are three to five years old should be getting ten to thirteen hours of sleep every night. Ages six to 12 years should get nine to 12 hours of sleep, while kids ages 13 to 18 years need just eight to 10 hours per night.
Contact your health care provider or your county health department about back-to-school health and wellness for a successful school year, inside and out. County health departments provide year-round services, including immunizations and birth certificates.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host a free back-to school immunizations event for families with children in grades Pre-K through 12. The event will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at their main office, 1801 SE 32nd Avenue in Ocala. No appointment is necessary.
DOH-Marion staff will also process transfers of vaccination records for families from outside Marion County. For more information, contact them at 352-629-0137 or visit their website.