FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Resetting and recharging, that’s what many Central Valley students are doing during winter break.
“The holidays are a great time because we’re home and we get to relax,” said Dr. Gino Urbano, a Pediatric Resident at Valley Children’s Hospital.
It’s a time for students to take a break from the books. While students are at home relaxing, it can be hard to keep them both physically and mentally sharp.
“It can be very tempting without a structured schedule,” said Dr. Urbano. “They get their device, they sit on the couch, they blink and it’s been a couple of hours.”
The cold weather can also make it hard for kids to get outdoors and play. That’s why doctors have these tips to help them stay active.
Dr. Urbano says to make the fun a family affair.
“Maybe some other smaller activities, like maybe watching a dance party on YouTube,” said Dr. Urbano.
Doctors also recommend taking the kids to an indoor gym or even a pool. Setting a schedule can also help.
“Some of the things that I really recommend is to make sure that you still have a routine for your child and for yourself,” said Dr. Rishika Sharma, a board-certified pediatrician in Tulare County.
“Of course, you know the first, one, two, three days, you don’t really have to have a bedtime, or you don’t really have to have a wake-up time,” Dr. Sharma said. “I do say that after two to three days, you get back to your routine.”
Doctors say minimizing screen time during the break can also help prevent unhealthy habits.
“You’re going to be eating unhealthy snacks all day,” said Dr. Sharma. “You’re not going to really have any kind of physical activity, so that really leads to increased metabolic rate, which leads to obesity.”
While the vacation is a good time for students to rest and recover, doctors say it’s important not to forget our healthy routine.
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