Today, too few young people are experiencing the level of support in their communities that will ensure a healthy future. A healthy start includes making sure caregivers and young people have access to the services and opportunities they need to be healthy.
A Healthy Start
To many, "a healthy start" focuses on what children need before they start school: prenatal care, immunizations and school readiness. Indeed, these early years are crucial. But we must also think about this promise more broadly as "a healthy start" for adulthood. The following are necessary to ensure that children grow up healthy:
Accessible and affordable health insurance that covers regular checkups; eye, ear and dental exams; and treatment of illness.
Health education focusing on risk behaviors such as violence and alcohol, drug and tobacco use.
Adequate nutrition and exercise.
Too few young people have access to this support in their communities. We need to provide all of them with a healthy start.
“When kids get the fundamental resources they need, what we call the Five Promises, every young person can grow into a successful, responsible, and healthy adult.”
Cal Ripken—Founder and President, Ripken Baseball and Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation
America’s Promise Board Member
