Lambert: Seven tips to improve your child’s health

RELATED: Springfield, Clark County work to shed unhealthy image

MORE COVERAGE: Healthy Springfield series

Offer healthy foods: A sound breakfast and consistent water intake is crucial to a child's health. Educate your child on the importance of good fuel for the body and lead by example. Eating dinner as a family can help support this goal. For nutritional support for children under 5, please call the local WIC office at 937-325-0464. ChooseMyPlate.gov is also a great resource.

Establish a regular sleep routine: Not all children have the same needs when it comes to sleep, but a general guideline of hours is:

• Newborn: 16-18 hours.

• Preschool: 11-12 hours.

• School-aged: at least 10 hours.

• Teens: 9-10 hours.

Additionally, ensure your infant is sleeping alone, on their back in a crib. For additional information about obtaining safe sleep equipment for a baby less than 6 months, please call the Health District at 937-322-2099.

Ensure oral health. Take your child to regular checkups and have them use fluoride toothpaste (unless under 2). If your drinking water is not fluoridated, ask your dentist what additional steps you may need to take to protect your child's teeth.

Get rid of lead and smoke: Provide an environment that supports optimal health that is free of hazards such as lead and smoke.

Check-ups: Schedule regular health checkups that include screening for development. Identifying issues quickly can help prevent long term impact.

Stay away from germs: Prevent illness by keeping your children away from those you know are ill and getting routine vaccinations. Educate your child on techniques to reduce spreading germs including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer and proper coughing protocol.

Lori Lambert is the Director of Early Childhood programs for the Clark County Combined Health District.

Healthy Springfield: About this series

Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year the News-Sun dug into the public health issues facing the city, including obesity and minority health disparities and efforts to improve them.