Healthy habits for children Published Aug. 31, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Cynthia Atilano 95th Medical Group 95th Medical Group (AFNS) -- Teaching healthy habits to children at an early age can carry those habits through the teen years and into adulthood. Here are some important habits to teach children: Routinely and regularly washing hands is very important to stop the spread of germs and diseases and to avoid getting sick. All that is needed is clean running water and soap, or at least a 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Daily exercise can be effective when it turns into family time by taking walks after dinner, bike riding, video workouts, or game consoles that let children move their whole bodies. Encourage children to enjoy fitness and to join team sports to burn calories and gain group, communication and bonding skills. "Healthy nutrition is necessary for good physical health and essential to fight obesity and dental caries, among other health factors," said Lt. Col. Craig Folsom, a dentist from the 95th Medical Group. Eat three nutritious meals and healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, plain nuts, unsweetened breads, cereals and popcorn. Although these snacks contain sugars, the high fiber content helps keep teeth clean and promotes saliva flow to rinse teeth. Cutting back on table sugar can reduce caries because bacteria growth will not be able to thrive. And, of course, brushing and flossing after meals and snacks will remove sugars and food particles, reducing decay.