What do humans need to stay healthy?
Discover how your body works and learn simple ways to stay healthy. From eating well to moving more and looking after your brain, heart, muscles and bones.
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How does my body work?
Your body is amazing. It has lots of different parts that work together. This help to keep you alive, moving and feeling good.
Every part of your body has an important job. You can help your body be healthy by eating well, being active and looking after yourself.
Let’s explore how to keep your body healthy. Let’s explore how to keep your body healthy.
How can I keep my brain healthy?
Your brain is like a smart computer inside your head. It helps you think, learn, talk and remember.
It also controls important jobs like breathing and digestion. You can keep your brain healthy by:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Eating lots of fruit and vegetables every day
- Choosing wholegrain foods like brown bread, oats and rice for energy
- Eating foods with healthy fats like nuts, seeds and oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel)
- Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day
Being active also helps your brain. It can help you focus, learn and feel good.
How can I keep my heart healthy?
Your heart is a muscle. It pumps blood around your body to keep everything working. It beats more than 100,000 times every day.
Keep your heart healthy by:
- Being active for 60 minutes every day (e.g. dancing, skipping, riding your bicycle or playing sport)
- Eating lots of fruit and vegetables
- Choosing foods with healthy fats like nuts, seeds and oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel)
- Only eating food like crisps, biscuits and fried food sometimes
- Having water instead of sugary drinks like energy drinks and milkshakes
How can I keep my lungs healthy?
Your lungs help you breathe. They take in oxygen and send it around your body.
Keep your lungs healthy by moving your body for 60 minutes a day. Try these activities:
- Playing, running, dancing or riding your bike
- Trying one of our Eat Move Learn activities like our scavenger hunt or balloon game
How can I keep my digestive system healthy?
Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat and turns it into nutrients and energy your body uses to keep healthy.
Keep your digestive system healthy by:
How can I keep my muscles healthy?
Did you know that you have more than 600 muscles in your body? Your muscles help you move, jump, run and play.
Keep your muscles strong by:
- Eating food with protein like beans, eggs, fish, yoghurt and nuts
- Being active by playing, running, sports and fun games
- Stretching to help your muscles be more flexible
How can I keep my bones healthy?
Your bones support your body and protect important organs like your heart and lungs.
They need a mineral called calcium and a vitamin called vitamin D to stay strong.
Keep your bones healthy by:
- Eating food with calcium like milk, yoghurt, cheese, tofu and leafy greens (like kale or okra)
- Getting vitamin D from sunlight in spring and summer (but remember to always wear sunscreen!)
- Being active by running, dancing, jumping and playing
How can I keep my skin healthy?
Your skin protects your body and helps you feel things. It also helps keep your body at the right temperature.
Keep your skin healthy by:
- Wearing sunscreen when you are outside
- Wearing a hat and staying in the shade when the sun is strong
- Drinking plenty of water and eating well
Summary: Keeping your whole body healthy
Your body works best when all its parts are healthy. To stay healthy overall:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
- Be active every day
- Stay safe in the sun
Small everyday choices can help your body stay strong, healthy and ready for anything.
