Simple Health Lessons from Cub Scouts

by Alison Palmer | More from this Blogger

I'm lucky enough (hah!) to have a son in the Cub Scout program. Cub scouting parents are handed a list of things to buy, and a nice requirement book. Sometimes we're given no more direction than "have at it!" but that's another subject entirely.

This week, my husband and I decided to spend some time helping our son with some of his scouting requirements. We chose to look at the ones having to do with health.

Sometimes we get a little overwhelmed trying to figure out how to be healthy and help our families be healthy. There are a million different voices we could listen to, and not every voice will be right for us. Looking at my son's scouting manual put a few things in perspective. I'll never get it all right where my health is concerned. Even if I did, they'll likely change what "it" was as soon as I got "it" right. However, I can be proud and take comfort from the fact that I know the basics.

My son's Cub Scouting manual breaks things down into simple steps that even an 8-year-old, or an 8-year-old's mom, can understand. It's a great reminder to all of us that health doesn't need to be complicated. There are just some basic rules.

Here's what Cub Scouting teaches about health:

• Know your food pyramid and where your food choices fit in.
• Know how to stop the spread of disease.
• Know a little bit about first aid.
• Bathe and use soap- this one is especially important for those 8-year-olds!
• Wash your hands.
• Brush your teeth.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of water.
• Move a little each day.

There you have it. The basics of health care that even an 8-year-old can understand.

Sometimes it just needs to be that simple. Make healthy food choices, cover your mouth when you cough, practice good hygiene and get moving: a simple recipe for health and happiness in a very complicated world.

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Primary Time: Cub Scouts

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Learn more about Alison Palmer

Writing is Alison's favorite past time, but you can also frequently find her reading, playing piano, cooking, taking long walks, sewing, or playing with her family.

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