VISTA, Calif.--September 14, 2011--For children, back to school adjustments can be both exciting and nerve-wracking: new schedule; new teachers; new classmates; new challenges; and new germs?
The Associated Press reports American children miss a combined 22 million days of school each year due to colds, flu and other infections. In a 2009 survey, seven out of ten teachers said their classrooms are not regularly disinfected by custodians. New bugs abound.
Global Health Trax (GHT) offers some effective tips to help kids add new levels of protection and prevention:
1. When Mama’s Cookin’ – Fuel is integral to immune health. The best defense is to teach the value of eating nutrient dense foods that are high in anti-oxidants and vitamin C. Fruit and veggies have our backs when illness and germs run rampant while sugar and process foods do not. Plan ahead by storing nuts and healthy snacks in the car for those on-the-go moments when your child’s stomach starts to rumble to bypass stops at the drive thru.
2. Pizza Friday Should Only Be Once a Week – Peanut butter and jelly is delicious, but has little nutritional value to keep your child focused. If your child eats from the cafeteria, GHT suggests reading the menu beforehand and packing healthier snacks that complement their meals, such as strawberries sprinkled with cocoa powder or a yogurt parfait with cinnamon-vanilla seasoning over store-bought sweets. This will not only contribute to your little one’s immune health, but also give a mid-day energy boost.
3. Count Sheep, a lot of Sheep – Sleep is a vital need and essential to a child’s health. An adequate amount of rest enhances classroom alertness, memory and performance. Get your child back into a sleep regimen by enforcing an earlier and consistent bedtime. Also, limit fluids an hour before bed to avert disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom, and shut off all electronics at least a half hour before bed.
4. Scrub-a-dub-dub More Than Once – There are few places free of germs, especially when children are involved! Since germs can linger on surfaces for days, the best way to create a healthier environment for all is to use disinfectants and wash hands with soap and hot water. Remind them to keep hands away from the mouth and face. If possible, give your child a travel-sized hand sanitizer to carry in their school bag.
5. Supplements Do a Body Good – Nutritional supplements are a great way to ensure your child is getting the recommended daily dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber – especially if he or she is a picky eater. GHT recommends sneaking in some additional nutrition by juicing it up with fruit flavored liquid fiber, which can be combined with any food or liquid, such as your child’s apple juice or fruit smoothie. Consult a doctor on what type is best suited for your child.
6. Sweat Post-Recess – Daily exercise is paramount to keeping immune systems strong. Not only is it healthy, but the exercise acts as an outlet for their high energy, and encourages socialization with other children. Enroll your child in a sports league or dance lessons, or set them free in the backyard with a soccer ball for an inexpensive alternative. And no, exercise-type video games do not count!
7. Finding Kiddo Zen – Long-term stress suppresses our immunity, making the body susceptible to disease and illness. Addressing a child’s stress is particularly important as their bodies are still developing. GHT suggests practicing kid-friendly yoga, playing classical music in the house and setting aside time to communicate each night before bed with your child, which can include a nightly ritual of reading from a real book as a relaxing transition toward sleep.
(Editor’s Note: Global Health Trax, of Vista, Calif., has been a respected name in digestive health since 1997. Its nutritional products are sold in more than 75 countries. For more information see: www.ghthealth.com)
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