COLUMBIA — As families prepare for the start of the school year, one health official is encouraging families to prioritize their children's health.

“Catching things early is something we really need to encourage parents to look for," said Austin Krohn, the public information specialist for Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nutrition and sleep are two priorities for youth health and wellness.

Around 40% of total daily calories for 2-to-18-year-olds are from added sugars and solid fats.

When it comes to sleep, children, along with adults, often lose sleep due to the overuse of digital devices. Krohn said setting nighttime boundaries with electronics can be helpful for improved sleep.

“Try to put the screens away about an hour b

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