Rural Health Matters: Keeping Kids Healthy for Christmas Break

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents about keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD-TV) — As families gear up for the excitement of the holiday season, health experts say it is also a good time to think about how to keep kids healthy while they are out of school. With routines shifting for a week or two, children may be more vulnerable to stress, disrupted sleep, and overindulgence.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents. He says the break from school — along with travel, late nights, and packed schedules — can throw off the structure kids rely on. Maintaining consistency in meals, sleep, and downtime can help them stay energized and avoid becoming run-down.

While holiday treats are part of the fun, Dr. Gold notes that moderation still matters. A few sweets are fine, but parents should be mindful to balance snacks with healthier choices to help kids feel their best.

As families prepare for the last school bell of the year, Dr. Gold encourages parents to enjoy the season while keeping simple health habits in mind.

Viewers with rural health questions can email them to Dr. Gold at [email protected] .

Related Stories
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Duvall’s connection to cowboy culture extended beyond the screen.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Stephenville FFA students showcase robotics skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, blending teamwork, technology, and competition for the next generation.
It’s National FFA Week, and today we’re celebrating Alumni Day by highlighting some inspiring former FFA members making an impact in agriculture and beyond.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President with the National FFA Organization, joined us to discuss Alumni Day, the lasting impact of FFA supporters, and why honoring that legacy matters during National FFA Week.
More Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
RFD News coverage of energy and fuel markets, including Brent crude oil, diesel, solar, wind, geothermal, and electrical power, and the latest policy updates on biofuel and ethanol.
Each spring, Rodeo Austin welcomes junior livestock exhibitors and horse show exhibitors to the annual Fair and Rodeo typically held in March. On average more than 9,000 exhibitors compete to enhance their agricultural education. Rodeo Austin is proud to provide these opportunities for youth to succeed.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Winter Stock Show Season! And to celebrate the hard work of the future of agriculture, we’re streaming live from some of the biggest livestock shows in Texas.
Through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, calf scramble program and show premiums, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo impacts over 22,000 youth in Texas annually.
Dedicated to preserving the western way of life and promoting agricultural education to the Youth of Texas, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association works year round to continue to bring top notch events to the West Texas Area.