» Calories aren't bad for you.  Your body needs calories for energy. But eating too many calories - and not burning enough of them off through activity - can lead to weight gain

» The name - fat -  may make it sound like something you shouldn't eat. But fat is an important part of a healthy diet. Kids need a certain amount of fat in their diets so the brain and nervous system develop correctly.

» It feels good to have a strong,  flexible body that can do all the activities you enjoy - like running, jumping, and playing with your friends. But you may not know that exercising can actually put you in a better mood. When you exercise, your brain releases a chemical called endorphins (say: en-dor-funz), which may make you feel happier.

» You may know that your heart  is a muscle that pumps blood every day of your life. You can help this important muscle get stronger by doing aerobic (say: air-o-bik) exercise. Swimming, basketball, roller-skating, jogging (or walking quickly), soccer, & biking are all aerobic exercise. But don't forget: skipping, jumping rope, and playing hopscotch are aerobic activities, too.

» When someone sneezes or coughs,  mucus drops float in the air. Breathing in these droplets can spread a cold from one person to another. You can also catch a cold if you touch your eyes or nose after handling something with cold viruses on it. Video games, the doors at the mall, and your school desk are all hot spots for viruses. So be sure to wash your hands regularly.

» Available at Kidshealth.org  

» Though some people  may feel they weigh too much or too little, there is no perfect body shape. Some people have larger frames (bigger bones) and will always look bigger and heavier than people with smaller frames. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about your weight.