With winter comes cold and flu season. As a parent, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your kids healthy during this time of year. From teaching them the importance of washing their hands to making sure they’re getting enough Vitamin D, there are several things you can do to help your kids stay healthy this winter.
Here are 10 tips for keeping your kids healthy this winter:
Teach them to wash their hands properly
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness is to make sure everyone in the family is washing their hands regularly and thoroughly. Make sure your kids are washing their hands properly. Make sure they’re using soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. It’s also important to teach them to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing, playing with pets, and eating. You should also encourage them to use hand sanitizer when they’re not able to wash their hand.
Eat healthy foods
A balanced diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for kids. Eating healthy foods helps their bodies develop properly and strengthens their immune systems. Make sure your kids are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
You can also add some warmth to meals by using herbs and spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic. Just be careful not to add too much spice if your kids are sensitive to it.
Teach them proper sneezing and coughing etiquette
In addition to washing their hands, it’s important that your kids know how to sneeze and cough properly. They should always cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve when sneezing or coughing. And throw the tissue away immediately after use.
Use a saline nasal spray several times a day
Rinsing your nostrils with a saline nasal spray several times per day can help thin out mucus and reduce congestion. This is especially helpful for kids who have trouble blowing their noses properly. Look for a saline nasal spray that contains xylitol as this can help reduce the risk of sinus infections.
Give them Vitamin D daily during the winter months
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system. Since we don’t get as much sun exposure in the winter months, it’s important to give our kids a daily dose of Vitamin D (in the form of a supplement or food) during this time of year. Good sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish, mushrooms, dairy products, and fortified foods like cereals and orange juice.
Give them warm tea with honey and lemon
Warm tea with honey and lemon can soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. It’s also packed with antioxidants that can help boost immunity against sicknesses like the common cold or flu.
Ensure their healthy sleep
Sleep is vital for good health, and that’s especially true for kids. Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep by setting a bedtime that allows them to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Once you’ve set a bedtime, stick to it as much as possible so that their bodies get used to a regular sleep schedule.
Limit Sugar Intake
It’s no secret that sugary foods can lead to weight gain and cavities, but did you know that they can also weaken the immune system? So, limiting your kids’ sugar intake this winter (and all year round) is important. Opt for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of cookies and candy, and make sure they’re only drinking water or low-fat milk with meals. You should also limit your juice intake since most juices are high in sugar as well.
Stay warm
When it’s cold outside, make sure your kids are bundled up. That means dressing in layers, wearing a hat and scarf, and wearing warm socks and boots. It’s also a good idea to stay indoors as much as possible when it’s cold outside.
Vaccinations
Are crucial vaccinations up-to-date? Check with the doctor yearly or before traveling outside of the country during the colder months ahead! Vaccines work best when given early enough. Certain vaccines require a series over weeks or even months, so don’t wait until you or your child gets sick! Consult school vaccination requirements too; many schools will not allow attendance without updated records.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help keep your kids healthy all winter long. From washing their hands regularly to getting enough sleep to eating warm foods, there are plenty of ways you can help stay away from colds and other illnesses this season. So be proactive about your family’s health this winter and ensure everyone stays healthy all season long!
