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Child Health Day
What does Child Health Day celebrate?
Child Health Day is a day to learn and focus on the health of children. It raises awareness of what parents and other adults can do to help improve the health of their children.
When is Child Health Day celebrated?
The first Monday of October.
Who celebrates this day?
This day is an official observance in the United States. It's not an official holiday, but many schools, hospitals, and government agencies observe the day with special programs.
What do people do to celebrate?
The focus of the day is on education of child health. Agencies and schools observe the day with special programs. Programs include education on eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.
Activities for Child Health Day
Here are some things you can do to observe the day:
- Get some exercise - Be sure to get plenty of exercise on this day and every other day. This can be a fun activity. Find something that is active that you enjoy doing and then make the time to do it every day.
- Eat healthy - You should do this every day and this holiday is as good as any other to get started. Teachers and parents can educate students on what to eat and how much to eat. Be sure to eat your fruits and vegetables and don't eat a lot of candy and fatty foods.
- Make your doctor's appointments - Parents be sure to make a doctor's appointment for an annual physical. An annual physical can help in preventing kids from getting sick and can be a good time to make sure your children have the proper immunizations. Don't forget the dentist and the eye doctor as well!
- Post a list of emergency numbers - Make a list of phone numbers such as the Poison Control Line, the local police and fire department, your doctor, the hospital, local emergency room and any other important numbers for your family. Then post this list somewhere that it will be easy find in case of an emergency.
- Medical Bracelets - If your child has dangerous allergies or a medical condition like diabetes, get a medical bracelet that they can wear all the time. This way if something happens, the paramedics and doctors will know the right way to treat your child.
History of Child Health Day
Child Health Day has been observed in the United States since 1928 under President Calvin Coolidge. Initially the day was observed on May 1st, but was moved to the first Monday in October in 1960.
Facts About Child Health Day
- Around one in six children in the United States is considered overweight.
- The HRSA, or the Health Resources and Services Administration, offers resources to help parents in maintaining the health of their children.
- Around 82% of children in the United States are in excellent or very good health (source: CDC).
Dates
- October 1, 2012
- October 7, 2013
- October 6, 2014
- October 5, 2015
- October 3, 2016
- October 2, 2017
- October 1, 2018
- October 7, 2019
October Holidays
Yom Kippur
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Columbus Day
Child Health Day
Halloween
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