As children return to school, the exposure risks to bacteria and germs increase. Every parent knows that illnesses during the school year pass from child to child, like snacks traded in the lunchroom. While children are more exposed during the school year, reducing the risks to healthy kids is still possible using several straightforward tips.
It is possible to help build or strengthen your little one’s immune system with a routine of healthy habits. Discover the five ways you can help your child’s system fight off the typical school-year viruses.
1. Healthy Eating Habits
A healthy immune system relies on a healthy diet. While a diet may not boost immune system responses, it is critical to maintaining proper function. A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc, can cause malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies that can harm immune responses.
The best way to receive essential nutrients is through food. Balanced meals offer crucial vitamins, minerals, and proteins to boost energy levels and achieve optimum biological performance throughout the day. The meals also provide opportunities to socialize and enjoy precious family time.
While balanced meals should provide all essential nutrients, many doctors and nutritionists recommend children take a daily multivitamin, such as Wellements Multivitamin Gummies. The nutritional remedy helps ensure your little ones get all the necessary dietary support.
2. Restorative Sleep
The amount of sleep people need changes with age. Elementary school-age children — 6-12 years old — need between nine and 12 hours of sleep per 24 hours. The younger the child, the more rest they require.
Nearly 50% of children will experience a sleep problem, meaning they do not get enough sleep daily. The cause can result from issues like insomnia or behavioral problems.
The sleep traits of most children can improve with routines. Little ones develop healthy habits through repeated healthy behaviors. Parents can improve a child’s sleep quality by creating a bedtime routine. Organic remedies, such as Wellements Sleepy Time Spray, can help aid in sleep routines by providing soothing and relaxing scents.
3. Daily Exercise
Exercise also contributes to a robust and healthy immune system. People who exercise regularly have lower body fat, higher fitness levels, and stronger muscles and bones than those who are sedentary. Also, regular exercise improves brain health in school-age children. While exercise is not precisely an immune system booster, it is essential to optimal immune performance.
Children aged 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Vigorous aerobic exercise should occur three days weekly. An additional three days should include strength training activities.
4. Stress & Anxiety Management
Not all stress is bad. Still, parents should help their children find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety to avoid the adverse effects on the immune system. Excessive stress and anxiety can cause hormonal changes that reduce the body’s ability to resist infections.
Chronic or unpredictable stress and anxiety are the main culprits that inhibit immune system performance. Parents can help children prone to these issues by discussing openly and seeking medical help.
5. Less Screen Time
Screen time is a source of stress and other problems. Too much time on devices exposes youngsters to excessive blue light, affecting sleep habits. To limit the problems from screens, parents should limit the time children spend on them. While kids must use devices for homework, anything beyond that — video games, streaming, social media — should be restricted to less than two hours daily.
School environments open your children up to possible infections and viruses. You can help your child stay healthy by ensuring they eat a balanced diet and adopt beneficial habits, including the five above. Wellements organic remedies can also help boost your child’s system.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm
https://www.nebraskamed.com/primary-care/10-tips-to-keep-your-child-healthy-this-school-year