Ngoc Han, 41, from Can Tho, invested millions of Vietnamese dong in a gym package for her 13-year-old son this summer. Her goal is to improve his height, currently 1.47 m, before he returns to school. He's shorter than many of his peers and often tires easily during sports. A personal trainer designed a program focusing on jumping, spinal stretches, endurance, and flexibility. Each one-hour session takes place 3 times a week.
Han believes summer is crucial for children's physical development. "Guided exercise helps children become stronger and more confident for the new school year. That's why I'm willing to invest in this for my son," she said.
Thanh Hai, 46, from Vinh Long, enrolled her 9-year-old son in a two-month swimming course. Each session includes warm-ups, underwater breathing exercises, and basic swimming techniques. The boy also bikes with his father twice a week and helps his mother with chores to develop good habits.
The family considers these investments worthwhile for their son's health, safety, and confidence, especially for extracurricular activities at school and playing near water.
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Children practice swimming to improve their health during the summer. Photo: NVCC |
Children practice swimming to improve their health during the summer. Photo: NVCC
In Da Nang, Quoc Anh, 36, and his wife prioritize physical activity and vaccinations for their children. Last week, their 12-year-old daughter received HPV, pneumococcal, and flu vaccines at VNVC (Vietnam Vaccine Center).
As factory workers with a modest income, Quoc Anh explained that vaccinations are a practical way to protect their daughter from illness, prevent severe complications, and minimize disruptions to her schooling.
Many Vietnamese families prioritize their children's health, height, and overall well-being. Dr. Bui Thanh Phong, Medical Manager at VNVC, has received numerous inquiries about children's health before the new school year, in addition to vaccination questions. Common concerns include how to improve children's health and reduce illness frequency during school.
Dr. Phong explained that the enclosed environment of schools facilitates the rapid spread of respiratory illnesses. Many children become less active during the long summer break, leading to weakened immune systems and increased susceptibility to respiratory and digestive issues when returning to school. The current rainy and stormy season, especially with Typhoon Kajiki, contributes to fluctuating weather, high humidity, and a heightened risk of infectious diseases. Academic pressure, exams, and other factors can also weaken children's immune systems.
Dr. Phong recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily exercise for children aged 5-17. Recommended activities include aerobic exercises, walking, jumping, running, cycling, and swimming. Children should also eat 3 nutritious meals daily, including protein, vitamin A, healthy fats, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
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Children receive vaccinations at VNVC before the new school year. Photo: Dieu Thuan |
Children receive vaccinations at VNVC before the new school year. Photo: Dieu Thuan
Families should ensure children receive necessary vaccinations and boosters. Depending on age and vaccination history, children may receive flu, pneumococcal, meningococcal, dengue fever, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and chickenpox vaccines. The HPV vaccine, which protects against genital warts and cancers like cervical, throat, and anal cancer, is also available.
Parents should also teach children good hygiene habits for school, such as frequent handwashing with soap, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks regularly, and avoiding sharing personal items.
Anh Ninh
On 29/8 at 8 PM, VNVC will host an online consultation, "Important Vaccinations for Children Before the New School Year." Participating experts include:
Dr. Pham Dinh Dong, Medical Manager, VNVC
Dr. Doan Thi Khanh Cham, Medical Manager, VNVC
The program will be broadcast on VnExpress, VNVC, Tam Anh General Hospital, and Nutrihome's media channels. Readers can submit questions here.
