Good Health Practices

Subject: CRE (Christian Religious Education) • Topic: Christian Living • Age: 10 years (Kenya)

What is good health?

Good health means your body, mind and spirit are well. It helps you learn, play and serve God and others.

Why is it important? ✨

• We can worship and help others when we are healthy.
• God wants us to take care of the body He gave us (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• Being healthy helps you do well at school and at home.

Daily good habits (Do these every day) 🛁🍽️🏃‍♂️

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water: before eating, after using the latrine, and after playing outside. 🧼
• Brush your teeth twice a day. 🪥
• Bathe or wash your body regularly and keep your clothes clean. 🚿
• Keep your nails short and clean. ✂️
• Eat a balanced plate: carbohydrates (e.g., ugali, rice), proteins (beans, fish, meat), vegetables (sukuma wiki), fruits and milk. 🥘🍌
• Drink safe water: boil, treat with water guard, or get from a clean borehole/kiosk. 💧
• Get enough sleep. Children need about 9–11 hours each night. 😴
• Play and exercise daily to make your body strong. ⚽

Protecting yourself from diseases 🦟🏥

• Use a mosquito net at night to prevent malaria. 🛏️🦟
• Attend the clinic for immunizations and deworming when the nurse calls. 🩺
• Cover food and keep flies away. 🪰
• Visit the health centre if you have a fever, stomach pain, cough or wounds that do not heal. 👩‍⚕️

Safety at home, school and church 🏡⛪

• Keep sharp tools and medicines out of children's reach. 🔪🚫
• Do not play with fire or dangerous chemicals. 🔥
• Use helmets when riding a bicycle. 🚲
• Keep the church and community clean — pick up litter and help sweep. 🧹

Things to avoid ❌

• Do not smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs. They harm your body and mind. 🚫
• Avoid eating too much fried or sugary food. 🍟🍭

Simple first aid tips 🩹

• Small cuts: wash with clean water, put a clean cloth or plaster. 🩹
• Burns: cool the area with clean water; do not use oil. Seek help. 🔥
• Bleeding: press gently but firmly with a clean cloth and ask an adult to help. 🧯

Christian reasons to keep healthy ✝️

Our bodies are gifts from God. When we care for them, we honour Him and can serve others better. Memory verse:

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (simple words)

Class activities (quick and fun) 🎨

• Draw a healthy plate: include ugali, sukuma wiki, beans, fruits and milk.
• Role play: washing hands the right way (sing a short song for 20 seconds while washing).
• Make a daily routine chart: sleeping time, study time, play, washing, meals.
• Clean-up drive: organise to clean school compound or church yard. Take photos and thank God for your work.

Discussion questions for class

1. Why is it important to wash our hands before eating?
2. How can we help our family keep water safe to drink?
3. How does being healthy help us serve God and others?

Short prayer to end class 🙏

Dear God, thank you for our bodies. Help us to eat well, keep clean and care for others. Give us strength to stay healthy and to serve you. Amen.

Teacher tip: Use local examples (foods, water sources) and invite a health worker or church elder to speak about simple health rules and immunizations.