National Child Health Day 2023: National Child Health Day is observed annually on the first Monday of October to demonstrate support for children’s health, families, and those who work tirelessly to assist them. Children’s physical and mental health are significantly impacted by family income. Children from households below the poverty line have a higher obesity rate than those from households above it, and as the epidemic continues to spread, it is evident that we must do more.
The History of National Child Health Day
There weren’t any facilities dedicated to the treatment of infants until the mid-nineteenth century. Children were treated at home, and if that wasn’t possible, they were placed in municipal almshouses, just like their parents. Back then, children’s health was not well understood, and abandoned and orphaned infants were frequently left in infant asylums.
By the 1860s, the problem had become so severe that hospitals specializing in the care of infants were established to address it. There was a stigma associated with the sick and the impoverished, and not enough was being done to combat it. Early children’s hospitals provided ill and abandoned children with food, clothing, and other services to improve their health. The philosophy of these hospitals was that it was not the children’s responsibility if their parents made poor choices.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the national impact of these children’s institutions became evident. The number of children admitted to social welfare decreased over time, while the number of children with chronic illnesses or who required surgery increased. More children were receiving appropriate care, and as a result, more exhaustive analyses were conducted to improve their healthcare.
President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation for National Child Health Day in 1928, and Congress enacted it the following year. National Child Health Day was originally observed on May 1, but was moved to the first Monday of October in 1960. Since then, presidents of the United States have issued proclamations on this day in an effort to rally support for children’s health.
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FAQs for NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY
Is National Child Health Day a federally recognized holiday?
Although it is not an official holiday, many institutions and hospitals celebrate the day.
How can I safeguard my children?
Post a list of emergency phone numbers on the refrigerator and save the numbers for Poison Control, the local police, the fire department, your doctor, etc. on your phone.
Where can I give money?
Donations can be made at www.Childfund.org.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY
Conduct a run
Invite the children you know to run outside and get some exercise. Make it enjoyable by timing yourselves and determining how long it takes you to complete one lap. You can even utilize this as a regular opportunity to exercise. Make promoting physical fitness a weekly or monthly habit.
Participate in a function
It’s not wrong to have guilty pleasures, but too many unhealthy foods can be harmful to you. Examine your diet critically and determine where you can make improvements. Investigate online to discover delicious, nutritious foods that you can incorporate into your diet. Healthy food does not necessarily have to be tasteless.
Donate and celebrate
Donate to The Miracle Network Dance Marathon, a healthy initiative involving high school, college, and university students. In the program, students spend a year acquiring leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while dancing and raising funds and awareness. When you donate to this organization, 100 percent of the proceeds are used to support local children.
NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | October 2 | Monday |
2024 | October 7 | Monday |
2025 | October 6 | Monday |