- Integrative medicine emphasizes getting back to basics with focus areas including sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and community support.
- Most school-age children are not getting enough sleep; adequate rest is crucial for health.
- Children under 18 should have at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, which can include outdoor play, yard chores, or family walks—formal sports are not necessary.
- Reducing screen time is important alongside physical activity for overall health benefits.
- Parents can influence children's nutrition by creating a healthy food environment, especially with younger kids who rely on adults to provide their meals and snacks.
- Choosing whole, fresh foods from the grocery store perimeter and avoiding packaged foods is recommended when preparing school lunches and snacks.
Integrative Health is about the Basics
Integrative medicine focuses on the fundamentals of health by emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and supportive environments to help children thrive through healthy routines and choices.
Geraldine Rubin, MD, Pediatrics
