When you become a parent, your first concern is the health and well being of your children. Often, this begins as soon as you discover that you are pregnant. Both mother and father are responsible for ensuring that their kid's health is protected. Children's health is a combination of a number of different factors. The most prevalent factors that contribute to children's health and well being include nutrition, exercise, sleep, hygiene, and proper medical and dental attention. By incorporating these aspects into your child's routine, you can rest assured that you are taking adequate steps to ensure your child's health and well-being.

First, nutrition is of utmost importance. You should limit junk foods, and beverages that contain empty calories. Children should eat foods that are selected from the food chart and should also take a vitamin and mineral supplement daily. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations on the best brand of vitamin and mineral for your child's specific needs.

Today's children do not get as much exercise as they need. Computers, video games, and other indoor activities encourage children to sit and be less active then ever before. Encouraging children to get daily exercise is vital to ensuring their health and well-being. Also, don't necessarily assume that they are getting as much exercise as they need in school. Today, many public schools are eliminating recess, adding to the problem of lack of exercise. Scheduling time each day for your child to have outdoor activities is a great way to make sure they are getting the exercise they need.

Children lead busy lives and hectic schedules. Setting a proper bedtime that enables them to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night is recommended. Depending upon the age of your child, they may need more or less. Ask your pediatrician how much sleep they recommend your child needs, and set limits to ensure they get that rest.

Ensure that children bathe regularly and that they use antibacterial soap. This is a great way to cut down on the amount of germs and bacteria that they are exposed to. Even little scrapes and cuts can become infected so treat scrapes regularly with a product like Neosporin to reduce the likelihood of infection. Always have children wash their hands, or use a hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of colds and flu. Finally, keep regular appointments with your child's pediatrician and dentist to ensure that they are receiving the proper medical and dental care to stay healthy and happy.