USDA Guidelines for Children

Creating health guidelines for children is essential, especially in a country where, as of 2010, 1 in 3 children are considered overweight. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) hosts the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which sets guidelines for parents to follow regarding food and children's health. They not only include guidelines, but several tips to help parents enforce these guidelines.

Food Groups

One of the most basic and essential guidelines that the USDA enforces, not only for children, but for adults, are the basic food groups. Since children are still developing, it is essential that they be supplied the appropriate food groups, which include vegetables, fruits, milk, meats and grains. For many food groups---such as grains---the USDA recommends that parents push children to eat whole grains during meals or as snacks throughout the day.

Washing

Since children tend to be the most-active members of households, they also are the dirtiest. The USDA recommends washing your hands and your children's hands for at least 20 seconds both before and after handling food to prevent the spread of germs. This includes washing after contact with a pet, as they often carry germs.

Countertops are another culprit, as any food placed upon them can automatically pick up bacteria from its surface. Due to pesticide use, fruits and vegetables should always be ran under tap water or scrubbed prior to being eaten.

Cooking

The USDA also advises parents on cooking. As a high internal temperature is required to kill any potentially harmful bacteria within food, cooking at high temperatures is even more important for young children, who are more vulnerable to illness by bacteria. Prior to serving any cooked meat to children, parents are encouraged to cook steaks until at least a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and cook pork and poultry to at least 160 degrees. There should be no cold spots in food, and eggs should never be eaten only partially cooked. Although these safety precautions usually monitor food effectively, a food thermometer can also be used.

The refrigerator is also a key to ensuring that harmful bacteria do not grow. The refrigerator should always operate at a temperature of at least 40 degrees or lower, while the freezer should be below zero degrees. Parents serving their children anything outside of these conditions might be putting their child at a potential risk.

Exercise

The USDA encourages moderate to vigorous exercise for children, as well as adults. Since obesity is a growing concern among youth, physical activity is receiving more attention. Total exercise time should add up to at least 30 minutes per day. Moderate physical exercise includes walking fast, dancing, bicycling, hiking and weight training. Vigorous physical exercise includes running, swimming, aerobics and competitive sports.