Healthy From the Start—Lifestyle Interventions in Early Childhood
Michelle Dalal, Yamileth Cazorla-Lancaster, Cherie G. Chu, Neeta Agarwal
Abstract
Lifestyle interventions are effective from the earliest years of childhood. To best promote health, lifestyle factors should be implemented for children and their families from birth. This includes introducing families to the benefits of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) or plant-predominant diet, daily physical activity, positive family and peer social connections, avoidance of risky substances for caregivers, optimal sleep habits, and stress management and mindfulness for all family members. Through attention to these six pillars of lifestyle medicine, children and their families can succeed in initiating and maintaining optimal lifelong physical and mental health.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePsychological interventionLifestyle medicineMindfulnessPhysical activityGerontologyLifestyle modificationMental healthScreen timeHealthy eatingPsychiatryClinical psychologyPhysical therapyObesityInternal medicineChild Nutrition and Feeding IssuesObesity, Physical Activity, DietInfant Development and Preterm Care