Keep Your Child from Getting Sick This School Year

Learn 5 Healthy Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy this Back to School Season

Can you believe it’s already August? For many families, this means it’s time to start preparing your children for another school year.

If you haven’t even begun to think about cold and flu season, it’s time you start! On average, elementary school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of the flu each school year according to the CDC. For older children, it’s about half that.

So, as a parent, what can you do to keep your child from getting sick this school year? Here are 5 healthy habits to start now so that your child can remain in good health this cold and flu season:

• Keep hands clean. A no brainer, right? It’s important to make regular hand washing a habit for your children. Instruct them to wash their hands or at least use hand sanitizer before they eat, after a play date, after school etc. Make sure they don’t rush scrubbing their hands. Teach them to sing the happy birthday song at least twice to ensure they’ve adequately washed away those germs.

• Stay active. Studies show that regular to moderate exercise can reduce the number of times the cold or flu is contracted within a year by as much as 25-50%! Of course, we all know exercise has its many benefits, but with cell phones, tablets, video games etc. it can be hard to make sure your kids are getting enough physical activity.If it’s not too cold, have them play outside after school!

• Get lots of sleep. Babies typically need about 14 hours of sleep per day. Preschool children need 11-13 hours of sleep. Without adequate sleep, their chance of getting sick nearly doubles! Make sure to be firm about an early and consistent bedtime.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Us parents know It’s certainly tough to get your kids to eat their vegetables. But, it’s important to keep in mind that colorful fruits and veggies will help boost your child’s immune system. Foods rich in vitamin C (broccoli, strawberries and oranges) and Vitamin D (tuna, milk) are ideal for keeping your child healthy and strong.

• Avoid touching your face. The cold and flu virus enter the body through the face – the nose, eyes and mouth. It can be tough to keep your child from touching his or her face but try to help them keep their hands clean and don’t let them share things like a straw or cup.

If your child does end up getting sick, be prepared! An oral electrolyte solution is a MUST HAVE when your little one comes down with a bug! It’s scientifically formulated to prevent and treat dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting and/or a fever. 

Make sure to follow these 5 tips for keeping your child healthy this cold and flu season and be prepared in case they do get sick! Be ready with electrolytes!

**For specific medical care and nutritional advice on product usage, please see your healthcare professional