National Staying Healthy Month: Sleep Is The Foundation Of Health

The Van Buren County School System providing health tips to local families as a part of National Staying Healthy Month.

Coordinated School Health Director Kelly Lewis said at least eight hours of sleep the number one way to keep your student healthy.

“I think a lot of our students come to school sleep deprived,” Lewis said. “Not getting enough sleep really has an impact on our physical, mental and social health. It affects all components of our health.”

Lewis said school-aged children should receive about 10 hours of sleep. Lewis said a healthy sleep schedule helps with attention, behavior and comprehension.

Lewis said the school system is promoting the 85210 healthy habit method this month. 8 hours of sleep, five fruits or vegetables a day, two hours or less of screen time, one hour of physical activity and zero sugary drinks.

“The reason I am concerned is because we are seeing these diseases and illnesses caused by unhealthy lifestyles happen younger and younger,” Lewis said. “Two decades ago you rarely saw type 2 diabetes in people under 35-years-old. Now, we are seeing it with children and teens quite frequently. A lot of that is due to the unhealthy lifestyles.”

Lewis said developing healthy lifestyles young can help form habits that benefit children as they grow older.