Ensuring Our Kids Have a Healthy Summer

Starting now! Tweetchat: “Keeping Kids Healthy this Summer.” Use #SaludTues & follow us, @SaludToday pic.twitter.com/KWRRi7QGgA

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

On Tuesday, June 7, NCLR joined another weekly #SaludTues Twitter chat to discuss children’s health and how parents can ensure their kids stay healthy over the summer. Because students are on summer vacation, they may lack access to regular nutritious meals and the routine that the school year provides. Luckily, there are many ways parents can keep their young ones healthy throughout the hot summer months.

Below are selected highlights from our chat:

Q1: What are steps parents can take now to plan for a healthy & safe summer? #SaludTues

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A1: Parents can ensure their kids have health coverage. Medicaid & CHIP enrollment is open all yr #SaludTues (1/2) pic.twitter.com/JIyaNQE0Zc

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

A1: Latino kids in Arizona now have access to #KidsCare, the state’s CHIP program https://t.co/OyZS2jy46M #CHIPWorks #SaludTues (2/2)

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

Q2: How are health and safety connected? #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/LzBT8sV70A

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A2: Children need safe spaces to develop physically, emotionally & cognitively #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/HF94H8Mg63

— Office of Head Start (@HeadStartgov) June 7, 2016

A2 Communities should ensure that all kids have safe places to bike, walk, & play, AND that all kids can swim. #poolsforall #SaludTues

— Amanda Merck, MPH (@AMFitnessHealth) June 7, 2016

Q3: What safe and fun activities are available for kids over the summer? #SaludTues #BestSummerEver pic.twitter.com/BL9AeSAVRK

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A3: Local park & rec facilities offer age appropriate summer camps, swim lessons, & summer rec leagues! https://t.co/dDpRridVv6 #SaludTues

— NRPA news (@NRPA_news) June 7, 2016

When kids are taught the proper safety skills, summer is bright with possibilities! Swimming, hiking, biking, exploring, etc. #SaludTues

— Kimberly Hart (@KimberlyEHart) June 7, 2016

A3: Walk to a library- exercise your body and brain. Camina a la biblioteca y ejerciese su cuerpo y cerebro. #SaludTues

— Cultiva La Salud (@CultivaLaSalud) June 7, 2016

A3: Swimming, hiking, bicycling, and just outdoor playing are all great, as long as they are supervised. #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/uelUt1AbfE

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

Q4: How can we help educate parents and caregivers on health and safety? #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/dgKm30RR9L

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A4: Here are some tips on creating & maintaining hazard-free spaces & homes https://t.co/hEXarw7QVW or https://t.co/P0L98AdnAq #SaludTues

— Office of Head Start (@HeadStartgov) June 7, 2016

Q5: Who can help kids and teens stay healthy and active this summer? #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/tABmXCD0Fc

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A5: Elected officials can talk about #summermeals; schools & parks can be hubs for healthy living #SaludTues https://t.co/LPBLj6FSQy (1/2)

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

A5: @USDA has #summermeals resources available for parents so kids can eat healthy this summer #SaludTues (2/2) https://t.co/I4xymiYlDh

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

Q6: What health concerns should parents be concerned about during the summer months? #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/ScfkvppSWz

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A6: School might be out, but many Latino kids experience hunger during the summer. That’s why access to #summermeals is so vital. #SaludTues

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

https://twitter.com/cheryl_aguilar/status/740240206096261120

Q6: Extreme heat. Look for playgrounds/outdoor spaces with shade. #SaludTues

— Office of Head Start (@HeadStartgov) June 7, 2016

A6 Sun exposure, mosquito bites, swimming/beach accidents, sending adequate lunch/drink if child going to summer camp #SaludTues

— Daniela Jaramillo RD (@ProlificFood) June 7, 2016

A6: Dehydration is definitely a concern in the summer. Make sure clean (& abundant!) water is available. #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/Nns2sOFWVF

— School-Based Health Alliance (@sbh4all) June 7, 2016

A6: Staying hydrated, avoiding sunburn & playing it safe at the pool. Find great tips from @CDCgov here: https://t.co/2bpe1FlUNo #SaludTues

— InsureKidsNow.gov (@IKNGov) June 7, 2016

Q7: What else can people do to connect #Latino families with health care and activities this summer? #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/OBPR5PKB6z

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A7: States like #Florida & #Arizona have expanded their #CHIP programs. #Latino families need to know. https://t.co/pu80XOCurC #SaludTues

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

Q8: What can community orgs be doing over the summer to plan for the next school year? #SaludTues

— Salud America! (@SaludAmerica) June 7, 2016

A8: Making sure that Latino parents are invested in their #schoolwellness programs https://t.co/XhzoPg04zu #SaludTues (1/2)

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

A8: Work to make physical activity and active living part of the daily school curriculum. #SaludTues (2/2)

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016

A8 Help kids #MoveinMay thru August w/ fun activities 4 #summermeals programs: https://t.co/bTOD8pzEFg … #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/HuXh0nNC5g

— USDA Team Nutrition (@TeamNutrition) June 7, 2016

A8: We have free resources for increasing safe places for physical activity in your community! https://t.co/42mloErB5H #SaludTues

— VoicesForHealthyKids (@Voices4HK) June 7, 2016

Thanks to you all for hosting this great chat! Making sure our kids stay healthy in summer is vital! #SaludTues https://t.co/VWeKlQdObp

— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) June 7, 2016