This is part of a compensated campaign with Little Remedies.
What is it about winter that makes children so susceptible to illness? We can spend all summer jumping and sliding at our local play place without a single sniffle, but come September, we’re battling runny noses, earaches and fevers. We are right in the midst of cold and flu season and despite my tendency to be a germ-a-phobe, sheltering my children from sickness isn’t feasible or desirable. I actually want my children’s immune systems to mature without having to endure a major illness.
So how do we stay healthy during this time of year?
Most importantly, we don’t shelter our children from people or places. We travel in airplanes (aka vestibules for germs), brave crowded malls and amusement parks during the holidays, and in essence expose our children to some of the germiest public places all year round…but we do so with caution. My goal is to teach my children how to stay healthy in any circumstance all year-round.
Here are my tips for keeping kids healthy this season!
1. Wash Your Hands! Hand-washing is one of the body’s first lines of defense against illness. Before meals and after using the restroom are great places to start, but don’t stop there. Visiting with a sick friend? Wash your hands! Just touched your eyes or blowed your nose? Wash your hands! Some germs can live for hours on inanimate objects so consider washing hands if you’ve been in contact with surfaces. It only takes a brief touch of your face to bring those germs into your body where they can thrive and multiply. Don’t have access to soap and water? I like to carry a natural antibacterial hand sanitizer for outings with my kids. The CDC offers some great tips for hand-washing so check it out!
2. Rest Up! The body needs sufficient sleep to restore itself. Everything from cognition and mood to weight management, cardiovascular health and disease prevention are tied to sleep. Adults require 7-8 hours of sleep while children require 9-12, depending on their age. If feasible, try to go to bed at the same time each night, avoid caffeine and other stimulants before bedtime, and promote an environment conducive to sleep including darkening the room and ensuring the temperature is around 70 degrees.
3. Eat Your Veggies! A diet that supports immune function is essential in preventing and fighting illness. We strive to eat leafy greens, a rainbow assortment of produce, lean meats and sustainable fish, and whole grains to stay healthy all year round. During this season, when food is at the center of many get-togethers and events, challenge yourself to eat in moderation and bulk up on wholesome foods that your body needs to stay healthy this season.
4. Work it Out! As a follow-up to my 3rd tip, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting regular exercise to ward off the weight gain that dominates this season. Exercise boosts certain immune cells and can help your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Strive to work in at least 20-3o minutes of activity several times a week.
5. Take a Probiotic! Your body thrives when the number of unhealthy bacteria is in check. Probiotics are simply healthy bacteria/yeast that support digestive and immune function. They are available in a number of forms (pills, powders, and juices) at natural health food stores for adults and children.
As you’re probably aware, there is technically no “cure” for the common cold or flu so prevention is key. When my kids do get sick, making them comfortable is my priority. We’ve battled ear infections for years, and fever is the most uncomfortable (and worrisome) symptom that presents in my children. If you remember, many pain and fever reducers for children were recalled and pulled from shelves, leaving families with very few options. Fortunately, Little Remedies for Fevers Infant and Children’s Fever/Pain Reliever is available. Created by a pharmacist and a father, the products are free from saccharin, alcohol, artificial flavors, gluten, high fructose corn syrup, artificial coloring and dyes.
As we head into the holiday season, I’d love to hear your tips for staying healthy!
Images: Little Remedies unless otherwise noted.
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