Summer break is a time for kids to have fun, relax, and enjoy a break from school, but it can also put them at risk for obesity and infection.

During the summer months, many kids tend to become less active, spend more time indoors, and eat more unhealthy food. This combination can lead to weight gain, which can be challenging to reverse when school starts back up in the fall.

Additionally, summer can be a time when kids are more susceptible to infections due to exposure to new germs in unfamiliar environments. Here’s a closer look at how summer break can put kids at risk for obesity and infection, and what parents can do to help keep them healthy and safe.

Obesity Risks During Summer Break

Studies have shown that kids tend to gain weight during the summer months, partly due to a lack of structured physical activity and partly due to unhealthy eating habits.

In fact, a 2007 study published in the Journal of School Health found that children aged 9 to 17 gained weight two to three times faster during the summer break compared to school months. This weight gain can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

One reason for this weight gain is the lack of physical activity that many kids experience during summer break. Without structured sports practices, gym classes, and recess, kids may spend more time sitting and less time exercising.

This can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which can be detrimental to health. Additionally, many parents have to work during the day, which may limit their ability to take their kids to the park or engage in physical activities with them.

Another factor that can contribute to summer weight gain is unhealthy eating habits. Without the structure of school meals and snacks, kids may turn to less nutritious options like fast food or high-calorie snacks.

Additionally, the summer season is often associated with treats like ice cream and soda, which can also contribute to weight gain.

Infection Risks During Summer Break

Summer can also put kids at risk for infections, particularly when they spend time in new environments or around large groups of people.

Germs can easily spread in areas like public pools, summer camps, and amusement parks, which can lead to illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs. Additionally, kids who travel during the summer may be exposed to new germs that their immune systems have not encountered before, which can also lead to infections.

One way to reduce the risk of infection is to practice good hygiene habits like washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Additionally, parents can make sure their kids are up to date on vaccinations, which can protect against many types of infections.

How to Help Kids Stay Healthy During Summer Break

Parents can take several steps to help their kids stay healthy and safe during the summer months. Here are some tips:.

Encourage Physical Activity:

Encourage kids to stay active by planning fun activities like bike rides, swimming, and outdoor games. Limit screen time and encourage kids to engage in physical activities for at least one hour per day.

Choose Nutritious Foods:

Offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts instead of high-calorie snacks and fast food. Encourage kids to drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice.

Maintain Hygiene:

Teach kids to practice good hygiene habits like washing hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people. Make sure they cover their coughs and sneezes and take their vaccinations to protect against various infections.

Make a Daily Routine:

Creating a daily routine can help kids stay on track during summer break. Creating a schedule for meals, physical activities and downtime can help parents maintain a sense of structure while helping kids stay engaged and healthy.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations:

Make sure your kids are up to date on vaccinations before they start summer break. Check with your pediatrician to see if any additional vaccines are necessary based on your summer plans.

Conclusion

Summer break can be a fun and relaxing time for kids, but it can also put them at risk for obesity and infection.

By encouraging physical activity, choosing nutritious foods, maintaining good hygiene, creating a daily routine, and staying up to date on vaccinations, parents can help keep their kids healthy and safe during the summer months.