What does healthy living mean to you and your children?  Most parents measure their children’s health in terms of fevers, colds, flu, and broken bones. They follow their pediatrician’s instructions on regular check-ups and immunizations, and assess their child’s health on the number of school days missed.  However, healthy living is a broader concept encompassing the healthy development of the whole individual – physical, social and emotional.  To become well-rounded individuals and contributing citizens, children need positive experiences in all realms of their lives. Engaging youth in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle includes:

• healthy eating habits
• physical fitness and healthy weight management
• recognizing and directing their emotions positively
• developing and maintaining positive social interactions and relationships

Most parents probably do not know that 4-H Youth Development is also focused on the health and well-being of children and youth. Since the beginning of 4-H in 1902, healthy foods and nutrition have been an important aspect of 4-H.  Today, 4-H continues that tradition through the Healthy Living Initiative, a comprehensive effort to engage youth and their families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social and emotional well-being (National 4-H Headquarters, USDA).