Spring Health

Spring health for kids 

The spring season is approaching which means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. It’s also an opportunity to foster new healthy habits for our children. Here are five practical tips for school-aged kids to make the most of this season.  

Get active   

Warmer weather makes spring the perfect time to get outside and play. Take a walk around your neighbourhood or head to a local park or hiking trail. You can also stay active close to home with jump rope or hopscotch in your neighbourhood. 

Think fresh   

Springtime often brings up images of fresh fruits and vegetables. Now is a great time to teach children about where food comes from by helping them to start their own home garden. You don’t need a large space to get started. Any bright space indoors or outdoors can be used to grow fresh food. For tips, check out this resource about gardening with kids. 

Be sun safe 

Sunburns are possible, even in spring. Use a sunscreen that has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or more. When possible, schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon and early evening. If you and your children are out in the sun during mid-day hours, wear long sleeves, loose-fitting long pants and a hat.  

Be prepared for extreme weather 

Spring weather can be very unpredictable and can bring heavy rains or heat. Make sure you and your family are ready for possible flooding, heat and indoor air quality issues. 

Plan for summer heat by preparing your home early. Find tips on Window safety for children as well as information and resources, including programs to help, at Fraser Health’s Before a heat event page.  

Practice road safety  

Biking is a great way to exercise and spend quality time with your family. Remember to keep safety top of mind. Protect their heads with a well-fitted helmet and teach them the rules of the road, such as the hand signals for stop, right and left-hand turns. Check out our Fraser Health’s Bike safety for children page.  

For tips on all of this and more, check out Fraser Health’s Spring health guide.