Seeing to it that your preschool child has nutritious food, enough
exercise and regular medical care gives him* a good start in life and lessens the chances that he will have serious health problems or trouble learning later on.

Food
Preschoolers require a healthy diet. After your child is born, she requires nutritious food to keep her healthy. School-aged children can concentrate better in class if they eat balanced meals that include servings of breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry and fish and meat alternatives (such as eggs and dried beans
and peas); and milk, cheese and yogurt. You should see to it that your child does not eat too many fatty foods and sweets.
Children aged 2–5 generally can eat the same foods as adults but in smaller portions. Your child’s doctor or medical clinic adviser can provide you with advice on what to feed a baby or a toddler who under the age of 2.

If you need food for your child, federal, state and local programs can help.
For example, the federal nutrition program, called the Special
Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC),
distributes food to low-income women and their children across the
country. Food stamp programs also are available. If you want more
information or want to find out if you are eligible for food stamps, call or
visit your local or state health department. Your local librarian can help
you find names, addresses and phone numbers.

Exercise
Preschoolers need opportunities to exercise. To learn to control and
coordinate the large muscles in his arms and legs, your child needs to
throw and catch balls, run, jump, climb and dance to music. To learn to
control and coordinate the small muscles in his hands and fingers, he
needs to color with crayons, put together puzzles, use blunt-tipped—
safety—scissors, zip his jacket and grasp small objects such as coins.
If you suspect that your child has a disability, see a doctor as soon as
possible. Early intervention can help your child to develop to his full
potential.

Medical Care
Preschoolers require regular medical checkups, immunizations and dental
care. It’s important for you to find a doctor or a clinic where your child
can receive routine health care as well as special treatment if
she becomes sick or injured.
Early immunizations can help prevent a number of diseases
including measles, mumps, German measles (rubella),
diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hib (Haemophilus
influenzae type b), polio and tuberculosis. These diseases
can have serious effects on your child’s physical and
mental development. Talk to your doctor about the
benefits and risks of immunization.*
Beginning by the age of 3 at the latest, your child also should have regular
dental checkups.