Celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week
By Dacia Hudson, El Paso County Public Health Community Health Promotion Division Director
Each year, Every Kid Healthy Week is observed the last week of April (April 20-24, 2026) to inspire healthy habits in children across the country. Children need sound nutrition, opportunities for physical activity, and safe environments to thrive.
In addition to helping kids reach their best health, forming healthy habits around physical and mental health is important as a child grows into an adult. In the years to come, these habits can prevent chronic disease and lead to a happier and more vibrant life. Every Kid Healthy Week is a great start to developing healthy habits that last all year long. To mark the occasion, El Paso County Public Health is highlighting nutrition, mental health and physical activity tips for kids.
Good nutrition starts early
Healthy diets play a significant role in our children’s lives and well-being. Establishing balanced nutrition in childhood supports healthy development and lifelong wellness. Early eating experiences can impact how children eat as they get older. Caregivers are the greatest role models for their young children, starting with positive language around food and food choices.
When it comes to your child’s plate, it’s best to focus on serving a rainbow of color. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein foods, dairy and whole grain. Limit added sugar and processed food whenever possible. Too much added sugar in diets can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods and drinks when they are processed or prepared.
Physical activity
Habits formed early in life influence our physical health. Regular physical activity during childhood plays a critical role in healthy growth and development and can help with long-term disease prevention. The American Heart Association recommends kids and teens (ages 6-17) get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day.
Just like nutrition, a physical lifestyle should be modeled. Finding ways to be active with your children helps encourage physical activity for the whole family! Make exercise fun by encouraging your kids to find activities they enjoy.
There are many ways to squeeze activity in throughout the day. Some tips to help kids increase their activity include walking the dog, dancing around the living room, or practicing morning stretches. Everyone benefits from moving more and sitting less.
Connectedness, social awareness
Children face stressors each day. From peer pressure to homework to busy schedules and body changes, stress can add up fast. Children are resilient, but sometimes it can get to be too much. If you are concerned about your child acting overwhelmed or withdrawing, watch carefully for changes in their behavior.
What to look for:
- Pattern adjustments: overeating or not eating at all, sleeping much more or much less than they used to
- Depressed mood and/or mood swings
- Lack of emotion or emotional response
- Difficulty making decisions, concentrating, or remembering
- Frequent self-criticism or self-blame
- Changes in hygiene
It’s important to pay attention to changes in behavior. You want to examine the impact of change. If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, you can help!
- Express your concerns about what you are observing in their behavior.
- Listen closely and do not judge.
- Reflect on what they share and let them know they have been heard.
- Tell them they are not alone.
- Let them know there are resources to help.
- If you or they are concerned, guide them to get additional professional help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional or mental health concern, call, text, or live chat 988. For additional mental health resources in El Paso County, visit http://elpasocountyhealth.org.
Remember, healthy kids are better prepared to learn and thrive. Working with your child to develop healthy habits can help them live a better life now and improve their health in their adult years. But don’t try to change everything at once! Focus on making small, achievable changes one at a time.
