Children’s health: how to grow a healthy child
I. Prenatal period: laying the foundation of health
A. Mother’s health – child’s health:
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Pregnancy planning:
- Medical examination: assessment of the general state of health of the expectant mother, identification and treatment of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease), infections (torch infections, HIV, hepatitis B and C). Consultations with specialized specialists (endocrinologist, cardiologist, etc.) if necessary.
- Genetic counseling: assessment of the risk of hereditary diseases (cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, Down syndrome) and chromosomal abnormalities. Recommendations for prenatal diagnosis (screening, amniocentesis, choriona biopsy).
- Vaccination: ensuring the mother’s immunity to infections that is dangerous for the fetus (rubella, chickenpox, flu). Recommendations for vaccination before and during pregnancy (taking into account contraindications).
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Nutrition during pregnancy:
- A balanced diet: an increase in calories consumption (by 300-500 kcal per day), proteins (up to 70-80 g per day), fats (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6), carbohydrates (preferably complex). The inclusion of various products in the diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat meat, fish, dairy products.
- Vitamins and minerals: mandatory intake of folic acid (400-800 μg per day) to prevent defects of the fetal nervous tube. Additional intake of vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium (as prescribed by a doctor).
- Restrictions: exclusion of alcohol, smoking, drugs. Restriction of caffeine consumption (no more than 200 mg per day). Availability of raw or insufficiently processed products (meat, fish, eggs), non-pasteurized dairy products, some species of fish with a high mercury (shark, lame fish, royal macrel).
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Healthy lifestyle:
- Physical activity: moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga for pregnant women) in the absence of contraindications. Avoiding overwork and traumatic sports.
- Sleep and rest mode: providing enough sleep (7-9 hours a day), regular rest during the day. Creating comfortable sleep conditions (dark, quiet, cool room).
- Avoiding stress: stress management using relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing exercises), communication with loved ones, hobbies. Consultations with a psychologist if necessary.
- Limiting the effects of harmful factors: avoiding contact with toxic substances (chemicals, pesticides, radiation), x -ray radiation (except in cases of emergency and using protective agents).
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Medical observation:
- Regular visits to the doctor: compliance with the schedule of visits to the obstetrician-gynecologist to monitor the state of the health of the mother and fetus. Conducting the necessary tests and examinations (blood and urine tests, ultrasound).
- Screening and diagnostics: conducting prenatal screening to detect the risk of chromosomal anomalies and other fetal pathologies. Conducting amniocentesis, choriona or cordocentesis biopsy in the presence of indications.
- Timely treatment of complications: timely detection and treatment of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, premature birth and other complications of pregnancy.
B. Environmental influence:
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Air pollution:
- Avoiding places with a high level of air pollution (industrial zones, motorways). Using air purifiers in the room.
- Control over the quality of air in the house: regular ventilation of premises, avoiding smoking in the house.
- Information about protection measures: wearing a mask during periods of increased air pollution. Limiting the time on the street on days with adverse weather conditions.
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Water:
- Using pure drinking water: installing filters for water purification. The use of bottled water in doubt as a tap water.
- Control over the quality of water: regular water analysis for the content of harmful substances. Avoiding bathing in contaminated reservoirs.
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Nutrition:
- The choice of environmentally friendly products: preference for organic products grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Limiting the consumption of products with a high content of harmful substances: avoiding products with a high content of artificial dyes, flavors, preservatives.
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Radiation:
- Limiting the effects of radiation: Avoiding frequent X -ray studies (with the exception of cases of emergency and using protective funds).
- Control over the level of radiation in the house: Using dosimeters to measure the level of radiation.
II. First year of life: a period of intensive development
A. Breast-feeding:
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Advantages of breastfeeding:
- The ideal composition: breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of the baby. The composition of breast milk is adapted to the needs of the baby at different stages of development.
- Immune protection: breast milk contains antibodies, immune cells and other factors that strengthen the child’s immune system and protect against infections.
- Reducing the risk of diseases: breastfeeding reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, infections of the gastrointestinal tract and other diseases.
- The benefits for the mother: breastfeeding helps to restore the uterus after childbirth, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer and ovary.
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Breastfeeding technique:
- Correct attachment: ensuring the correct capture of the chest with the child (wide capture of the Areola). Control over the position of the child and mother during feeding.
- Frequency and duration of feedings: feeding on demand (8-12 times a day). Lack of restrictions on the duration of feeding.
- Breastal care: observance of chest hygiene (breast washing with warm water without soap). Using special creams for nipples if necessary.
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Problems of breastfeeding:
- Soreness of the nipples: proper application, the use of special creams for the nipples, an appeal to a breastfeeding consultant.
- Lactostasis: regular decorating milk, warm compresses, breast massage.
- Mastitis: an appeal to a doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Continuation of breastfeeding (in the absence of contraindications).
- Lack of milk: frequent attachment, proper nutrition and drinking regime of the mother, consultation with a doctor and a breastfeeding consultant.
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Artificial feeding:
- Choosing a mixture: Consultation with a doctor to select a suitable milk mixture (taking into account age, health status and individual characteristics of the child).
- Preparation of the mixture: compliance with the rules for the preparation of the mixture (use of pure water, proper dosage).
- Feeding mode: feeding on schedule (taking into account the age and needs of the child).
- Hygiene: sterilization of bottles and nipples.
B. Feed:
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The deadlines for the introduction of complementary foods:
- WHO recommendations: introduction of complementary foods no earlier than 6 months.
- Individual approach: taking into account the child’s readiness for complementary foods (the ability to sit, interest in food, the absence of a pushing reflex).
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Rules for the introduction of complementary foods:
- Start with one -component mashed potatoes: vegetables (zucchini, colored cabbage, broccoli), fruits (apple, pear).
- Enter each new product gradually: start with a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) and gradually increase the volume.
- Observe the reaction of the child: monitor the appearance of allergic reactions (rash, itching, redness of the skin, stomach disorder).
- Do not add salt, sugar, spices: offer the child a natural taste of products.
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Feeding products:
- Vegetables: zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin.
- Fruits: apple, pear, banana, plum.
- Croats: buckwheat, rice, corn (gluten -free).
- Meat: turkey, rabbit, beef (low -fat varieties).
- Eggs: yolk (start with a small amount).
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Diet:
- Gradual replacement of breast milk or a mixture of complementary foods.
- Introduction of 2-3 complementary foods per day by 8-9 months.
- Introduction of 3-4 feeding per day by 12 months.
C. Child development:
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Physical development:
- Control over growth and weight: regular measurement of the growth and weight of the child. Assessment of conformity of indicators to age standards.
- Development of motor skills: turning, crawling, sitting, walking. Stimulating the motor activity of the child (games, exercises).
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Psychomotor development:
- The development of sensory skills: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell. Stimulating the sensory development of the child (games with different objects, listening to music, reading books).
- Speech development: walking, babble, first words. Communication with the child, the name of objects, reading books.
- The development of the emotional sphere: the establishment of an emotional connection with the child, the manifestation of love and care.
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Social development:
- Interaction with others: communication with parents, close relatives, other children.
- Development of communication skills: smile, eye contact, imitation.
D. Child care:
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Hygiene:
- Bathing: daily bathing of a child in warm water. Using soft detergents.
- Skin care: the use of children’s creams and oils to moisturize the skin. Prevention of diaper rash.
- Nail care: regular trimming of nails.
- Hair care: regular hair washing.
- Obroke care: cleansing the gums with a damp cloth (before the appearance of teeth). Teeth brushing with a soft toothbrush (after the appearance of teeth).
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Cloth:
- Choosing clothes: Clothing should be comfortable, free, made of natural materials.
- Seasonal clothing: selection of clothing in accordance with weather conditions.
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Dream:
- Sleep mode: compliance with sleep and wakefulness. Creating comfortable sleep conditions (dark, quiet, cool room).
- Sleep safety: putting the child on the back. Using a solid mattress. Lack of soft toys and pillows in the crib.
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Walks:
- Regular walks in the fresh air.
- Sun protection: the use of sunscreen, headgear, clothes with long sleeves.
- Cold protection: clothing should be warm and waterproof.
E. Vaccination:
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National vaccination calendar:
- Compliance with the national vaccination calendar.
- Consultation with a doctor about vaccination.
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Advantages of vaccination:
- Protection against infectious diseases: vaccination allows you to form immunity to dangerous infectious diseases (measles, rubella, mumps, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, hemophilic infection).
- Prevention of complications: vaccination allows to prevent the development of complications caused by infectious diseases (meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, paralysis).
- Creating collective immunity: vaccination allows you to create a collective immunity that protects those who cannot be vaccinated (babies, people with immunodeficiency).
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Contraindications to vaccination:
- Absolute contraindications: severe allergic reactions to the previous dose of the vaccine, severe immunodeficiency.
- Temporary contraindications: acute diseases, exacerbation of chronic diseases.
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Side effects of vaccination:
- Local reactions: redness, swelling, pain in the injection site.
- General reactions: fever, malaise, weakness.
- Rare reactions: allergic reactions.
III. Preschool age: active development and knowledge of the world
A. Nutrition:
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Balanced diet:
- A variety of nutrition: inclusion in the diet of all groups of products: vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs.
- Nutrition mode: 4-5 meals a day.
- Limiting the consumption of harmful products: sweet drinks, fast food, chips, sweets.
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Vitamins and minerals:
- Additional intake of vitamins and minerals as prescribed by a doctor.
- Providing sufficient consumption of vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine.
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Drinking mode:
- Sufficient fluid consumption: water, compote, fruit drink, unsweetened tea.
- Limiting the consumption of sweet drinks: juices, carbonated drinks.
B. Physical activity:
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Regular physical activity:
- Daily walking in the fresh air.
- Outdoor games, sports.
- Limiting the time spent in front of the screen of the TV, computer, tablet.
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Development of motor skills:
- Exercises for the development of coordination, balance, strength, dexterity.
- Swimming, dancing, gymnastics.
C. Psychological development:
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Speech development:
- Active communication with the child.
- Reading books, storytelling of stories.
- Games aimed at the development of speech (speech therapy games).
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Development of thinking:
- Games aimed at developing logic, attention, memory, imagination.
- Solution of puzzles, riddles, puzzles.
- Training in reading and writing.
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Development of the emotional sphere:
- Teaching a child to express his emotions.
- Teaching a child to cope with negative emotions (anger, fear, resentment).
- Development of empathy (sympathy for other people).
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Social development:
- Interaction with other children.
- Learning the rules of conduct in society.
- Development of cooperation skills, compromise, conflict resolution.
D. Upbringing:
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Creating a safe and loving environment:
- A manifestation of love and caring for a child.
- Establishing clear rules and borders.
- Providing the child with the opportunity for independence and creativity.
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Formation of positive self -esteem:
- Praise for achievements.
- Support for failures.
- Avoiding criticism and comparison with other children.
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Liability training:
- The child’s assignment to the performance of household duties.
- The child’s training is responsible for his actions.
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Development of moral qualities:
- Teaching a child of honesty, justice, kindness, respect for other people.
E. Preparation for school:
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Development of the necessary skills:
- Reading, letter, account.
- Attention, memory, thinking.
- Independence, organization.
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Formation of a positive attitude to study:
- Stories about the school.
- Games to school.
- Visiting the school (excursions, classes).
F. Safety:
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Road safety:
- Training in the rules of the road.
- The use of children’s car seats.
- Control over the behavior of the child on the road.
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Fire safety:
- Teaching a child of fire safety rules.
- Storage of matches and lighters in an inaccessible place.
- Installation of fire detectors.
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Safety on the Internet:
- Installation of parental control on a computer and phone.
- Teaching a child with the rules of safe behavior on the Internet.
- Control over the activities of the child on the Internet.
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Safety at home:
- Storage of drugs, household chemicals, sharp objects in an inaccessible place.
- Closing sockets with plugs.
- Teaching a child with the rules of safe behavior at home.
IV. School age: physical and mental development, socialization
A. Nutrition:
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Balanced diet:
- A variety of nutrition: inclusion in the diet of all groups of products: vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs.
- Nutrition mode: 4-5 meals a day.
- Limiting the consumption of harmful products: sweet drinks, fast food, chips, sweets.
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Vitamins and minerals:
- Additional intake of vitamins and minerals as prescribed by a doctor.
- Providing sufficient consumption of vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine.
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Drinking mode:
- Sufficient fluid consumption: water, compote, fruit drink, unsweetened tea.
- Limiting the consumption of sweet drinks: juices, carbonated drinks.
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Power at school:
- Control over the nutrition of a child at school.
- Providing the child with a healthy breakfast and lunch.
- Limiting the consumption of harmful products at school.
B. Physical activity:
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Regular physical activity:
- Daily walking in the fresh air.
- Playing sports, dancing, gymnastics.
- Participation in sports sections and competitions.
- Limiting the time spent in front of the screen of the TV, computer, tablet.
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Physical activity at school:
- Participation in physical education lessons.
- Participation in sports events at school.
C. Mental development:
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School performance:
- Control over the acuity of the child at school.
- Providing assistance in learning if necessary.
- Supporting interest in learning.
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Development of mental abilities:
- Reading books, visiting museums, theaters, exhibitions.
- Creativity classes (drawing, music, dancing, modeling).
- The study of foreign languages.
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Organization of the educational process:
- Creating comfortable conditions for study.
- Compliance with the regime of the day.
- Organization of the workplace.
- Training in planning and organizing time.
D. Social development:
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Relations with peers:
- Support for friendly relations.
- Training in communication skills and conflict resolution.
- Bulling prevention (bullying).
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Relations with teachers:
- Respect for teachers.
- Cooperation with teachers in matters of training and education.
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Participation in public life:
- Participation in school events.
- Participation in volunteer activities.
- Participation in the public life of the city.
E. Psychological health:
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Prevention of stress:
- Creating a calm and friendly atmosphere of the house.
- Providing sufficient sleep and rest.
- Teaching a child with relaxation techniques.
- Consultations with a psychologist if necessary.
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Formation of positive self -esteem:
- Praise for achievements.
- Support for failures.
- Avoiding criticism and comparison with other children.
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Prevention of bad habits:
- Information about the dangers of smoking, alcohol, drugs.
- Formation of a healthy lifestyle.
- Support for hobbies and interests of the child.
F. Safety:
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Road safety:
- Training in the rules of the road.
- The use of reflective elements on clothes.
- Control over the behavior of the child on the road.
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Safety on the Internet:
- Installation of parental control on a computer and phone.
- Teaching a child with the rules of safe behavior on the Internet.
- Control over the activities of the child on the Internet.
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Safety at home:
- Storage of drugs, household chemicals, sharp objects in an inaccessible place.
- Teaching a child with the rules of safe behavior at home.
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Safety on the street:
- Teaching a child with the rules of conduct in emergency situations.
- Teaching a child to avoid dangerous places and situations.
- Teaching a child to seek help if necessary.
V. Adolescence: hormonal restructuring, self -determination
A. Physical health:
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Nutrition:
- A balanced diet: a variety of nutrition with an emphasis on proteins, vitamins and minerals. Accounting for increased needs of the body during growth and development.
- Restriction of harmful products: fast food, carbonated drinks, sweets in moderate quantities.
- Regular nutrition: 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks per day.
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Physical activity:
- Regular sports: at least 60 minutes of moderate or intensive physical activity per day.
- Choosing a sports section: taking into account the interests and physical capabilities of a teenager.
- Active lifestyle: walks in the fresh air, games on the street.
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Dream:
- Sufficient sleep: 8-10 hours a day.
- Compliance with sleep mode: to go to bed and get up at the same time.
- Limiting the use of gadgets before bedtime: phones, tablets, computers.
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Hygiene:
- Regular shower: daily shower or bath.
- Skin care: the use of skin care products corresponding to the type of skin.
- Tooth care: teeth brushing 2 times a day, using a dental thread.
B. Psychological health:
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Emotional support:
- Support and understanding: a manifestation of patience and understanding to the emotional differences of a teenager.
- Open communication: creating a trusting atmosphere to discuss problems and experiences.
- Assistance in conflict resolution: support in resolving conflicts with friends, peers, parents.
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Self -assessment:
- Improving self -esteem: praise for achievements, emphasis on the strengths.
- Support for the development of talents: creating opportunities for doing your favorite business.
- Avoiding criticism: constructive criticism and support in correcting errors.
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Self -determination:
- Assistance in choosing a profession: discussion of the interests and inclinations of a teenager, consultation with a careienter.
- Support for achieving goals: help in planning and achieving the goals.
- Development of independence: providing an opportunity for making independent decisions and liability for them.
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Prevention of stress:
- Training in relaxation techniques: meditation, breathing exercises, yoga.
- Time planning: Organization of time for study, relaxation and activities of your favorite business.
- Support in solving problems: help in resolving problems related to study, relationship, self -esteem.
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Prevention of depression:
- Attention to changes in behavior: apathy, irritability, loss of interest in your favorite activities.
- Appeal to a specialist: consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, if necessary.
- Support and understanding: creating a supporting environment for a teenager.
C. Social health:
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Relations with peers:
- Support for friendly relations: help in establishing and maintaining friendly relations.
- Training in communication skills: the development of communicative skills, the ability to listen and express your thoughts.
- Prevention of bullying: informing about the problem of bullying, support of victims and prevention of aggressive behavior.
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Relations with parents:
- Open communication: creating a trusting atmosphere to discuss problems and experiences.
- Respect for the opinion of a teenager: taking into account the opinion of a teenager when making decisions regarding his life.
- Establishment of borders: a clear definition of rules and boundaries that allow a teenager to feel safe.
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The influence of the social environment:
- The choice of the environment: support in choosing a positive environment.
- Confrontation of negative influence: teaching skills to confront pressure from peers.
- Participation in public life: volunteer activities, participation in social projects.
D. Reproductive health:
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Sexual education:
- Providing reliable information: about puberty, reproductive system, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Discussion of issues of morality and ethics: the formation of a responsible attitude to sexual behavior.
- Support for decision -making: assistance in making conscious decisions regarding sexual health.
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Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases:
- Information about protection methods: use of condoms, regular examinations.
- Timely seeking a doctor: with the appearance of symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
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Prevention of unwanted pregnancy:
- Information about contraception methods: consulting a doctor about choosing a suitable contraceptive method.
- The formation of a responsible attitude to sexual behavior.
E. Safety:
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Safety on the Internet:
- Activities on the Internet: the use of parental control programs, discussing security issues on the Internet.
- Information about risks: cyberbulling, online dating, propagation of personal information.
- Teaching the rules of safe behavior: do not communicate with strangers, not to disclose personal information, to report on cases of cyberbulling.
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Road safety:
- Compliance with traffic rules: pedestrians, cyclists, drivers.
- Using protective equipment: helmets, reflective elements.
- Caution on the road: attentiveness and caution when crossing the street.
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Prevention of violence:
- Information about the types of violence: physical, emotional, sexual.
- Teaching self -defense skills: the ability to say no, protect yourself and others.
- Application for help: Knowledge of where to seek help in case of violence.
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Prevention of the use of psychoactive substances:
- Information about the dangers: smoking, alcohol, drugs.
- The formation of a negative attitude: to the use of psychoactive substances.
- Support in choosing a healthy lifestyle: playing sports, creativity, outdoor activities.
VI. Conclusion:
To grow a healthy child is a comprehensive task that requires constant attention, care and participation of parents. From the prenatal period to adolescence, each stage of the child’s life has its own characteristics and requires an individual approach. Following the recommendations of experts, providing balanced nutrition, sufficient physical activity, psychological support and a safe environment, parents can make a huge contribution to the health and well -being of their child. Remember that the child’s health is an investment in his future!
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F. Issues of health and prevention of diseases:
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Preventive examinations:
- Regular visits to doctors: compliance with the schedule of preventive examinations by a pediatrician, dentist, ophthalmologist and other specialists.
- Timely detection of diseases: early detection and treatment of diseases, such as scoliosis, flat feet, visual impairment.
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Vaccination:
- Compliance with the national vaccination calendar: completion of vaccination in accordance with age.
- Discussion of additional vaccinations: consultations with a doctor about additional vaccinations (for example, from influenza, chickenpox, meningococcal infection).
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Hardening:
- The gradual hardening of the body: air baths, dousing with cool water, contrast shower.
- Strengthening immunity: hardening helps to strengthen immunity and reduce incidence.
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Prevention of injuries:
- Safety in everyday life: storage of dangerous items in an inaccessible place, installation of protective devices.
- Safety on the street: compliance with traffic rules, caution in games on the street.
- Safety in sports: the use of protective equipment, compliance with safety regulations.
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Prevention of diseases of the spine: