Health and Body for Kids
Looking after your body and mind helps you learn, play and grow. These lessons cover healthy food, exercise, sleep, hygiene, feelings and first aid, with simple explanations, everyday tips and a quiz for each topic. Always check health questions with a parent, guardian or doctor.
All 59 Health and Body topics
Healthy Eating
A balanced diet includes fruit, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy.
Exercise
Being active for at least 60 minutes a day makes your heart, bones and muscles strong.
Sleep
Kids aged 9–12 need about 9–12 hours of sleep.
Washing Hands
Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds to remove germs, especially before eating and after the toilet.
Dental Care
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss daily.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment.
Understanding Feelings
All feelings are okay, including anger and sadness.
Basic First Aid
For a small cut, clean it with water and cover it with a plaster.
Drinking Water
Your body is about 60% water.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals help your body grow and fight illness.
Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats
Carbs give quick energy, proteins build and repair muscles, and fats store energy and protect organs.
Fibre
Fibre in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps your digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Sugar
Too much sugar can cause tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain.
Why Breakfast Matters
Breakfast gives you energy after a night without food and helps you concentrate at school.
Germs
Germs are tiny living things like bacteria and viruses that can make us sick.
Vaccines
Vaccines train your immune system to recognise germs safely so you are protected against serious diseases.
Sun Safety
Too much sun can burn your skin.
Allergies
An allergy is when the body overreacts to something harmless like pollen, peanuts or pet hair.
Growing and Changing
As you grow up, your body changes.
Managing Stress
Stress is a feeling of pressure.
Stretching and Flexibility
Stretching keeps muscles flexible and helps prevent injuries.
Protecting Your Hearing
Loud noise can damage the tiny hair cells in your ears.
Eye Care
Protect your eyes by not staring at screens too long, reading in good light, wearing sunglasses outdoors and having regular eye tests.
Healthy Snacks
Healthy snacks include fruit, yoghurt, nuts (if not allergic), carrot sticks and wholegrain crackers.
Medicine Safety
Only take medicine given by a parent, doctor or trusted adult.
Body Hygiene
Washing daily, brushing teeth, wearing clean clothes and trimming nails help you stay healthy and fresh.
Warm-up and Cool-down
A warm-up gently prepares muscles before exercise and a cool-down helps your body relax afterwards.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself.
Staying Cool in Hot Weather
In hot weather drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, rest in the shade and never stay in a parked car.
Posture
Posture is the way you hold your body when sitting, standing or walking.
Sitting Less
Sitting for long periods can make your body stiff.
Heart Health
Your heart is a muscle that pumps blood around your body.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels.
Coughs and Sneezes
Coughs and sneezes can spread germs through the air.
Bones and Calcium
Bones are strong and grow throughout childhood.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is an illness caused by a virus that causes an itchy red rash of spots.
Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are common illnesses caused by viruses.
Concussion Safety
A concussion is a mild brain injury usually caused by a knock to the head.
Calories
A calorie is a unit that measures how much energy food provides.
Rainbow of Fruit and Vegetables
Eating a range of coloured fruits and vegetables gives your body different vitamins and minerals.
Gratitude
Gratitude means noticing and appreciating the good things in your life.
Laughter
Laughing releases feel-good chemicals in the brain and can help reduce stress.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises help you calm down by slowing your breaths.
Relaxation
Relaxation helps your body and mind rest after a busy day.
Foot Care
Caring for your feet means keeping them clean and dry, wearing comfortable shoes and checking for blisters or cuts.
Hair Care
Looking after your hair means washing it regularly with gentle shampoo, brushing gently and keeping it dry.
Skin Care
Skin protects your body from germs and changes in temperature.
Nail Care
Clean and trimmed nails help prevent germs from getting under your fingernails.
Healthy Screen Habits
Using screens is more comfortable when you take breaks, keep screens at eye level and avoid using them right before bedtime.
Recognising Burns
A burn is damage to the skin caused by heat, sun, chemicals or electricity.
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed is common and usually stops on its own.
Choking First Aid
If someone is choking and cannot speak, cough or breathe, an adult should call emergency services and give first aid.
Sprains and Strains
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Blisters
A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms under the skin, often from rubbing.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that makes the airways narrow and swollen, which can make breathing difficult.
Diabetes Basics
Diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble controlling blood sugar.
Healthy Weight
A healthy weight is one that suits your height, age and body.
Ear Care
Looking after your ears means keeping them dry, not pushing objects into them and turning music down.
Hydration During Sport
Drinking water before, during and after exercise helps keep your body working well.
Frequently asked questions about Health and Body
How much exercise should children get?
Experts recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day for children and young people. Play, sports and active travel all count.
How much sleep do 10-year-olds need?
Most children aged 9 to 12 need around 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night for good growth, learning and mood.
Who can I talk to about my health?
A parent, guardian, school nurse, teacher or doctor. You can always tell a trusted adult if you feel unwell or worried.