Supporting Kids’ Immune Systems

24 Aug Supporting Kids’ Immune Systems

The beginning of a new school year is already a trifling prospect for parents of young children, and classrooms are particularly dangerous now given the continued spread of COVID-19. What can you do to shield your kids from the hodgepodge of germs and viruses he or she might encounter?

 

 

While getting sick is typically a normal and critical part of growing up – children build up their immune systems by battling an assortment of germs, viruses, and other organisms – this year, it’s more important than ever to combat sick days before they happen.

Here are a few ways you can keep your children healthy and happy as they return to school:

1. Make Sure They Wear Masks : The Center for Disease Control recommends that children over two years old wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially in places like schools where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

 

2. Maintain Social Distancing : While social distancing guidelines may not be ideal for a return to school, it is critical that children know the risks associated with proximity. The CDC reports that COVID-19 spreads primarily among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and many schools may not be able to oversee those boundaries at all times – it is important that parents educate their kids on proper social distancing protocol before heading back to the classroom.

 

3. Make Sure Your Children Wash Their Hands With Soap Often : Parents ought to take particular notice of their kids’ hygiene before and after eating, being around pets, using the bathroom, and arriving home from school. After touching surfaces that may be contaminated with germs – like phones, door handles, shopping carts and more – make sure your kids refrain from touching their faces and disinfect with soap and water as soon as possible.Hand sanitizer and disposable wipes are necessities for all trips outside the home. To help your kids get into the hand washing habit, let them pick out their own brightly colored hand towels and soap in fun shapes, colors, and scents.

 

4. Boost Sleep Time : Overwhelming evidence suggests that sleep deprivation can make adults more susceptible to sickness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system tools that attack microbes, germs, and cancer cells. Children are even more prone to bodily break down after sleep deficiency.One of the biggest challenges for parents in ensuring adequate amounts of sleep for their children is the prevalence of electronic devices, like cell phones, video games and television. School-aged children and teens who spend more time on these devices have more trouble getting optimal amounts of shut-eye. Limiting screen time to less than two hours per day and emphasizing large and small motor development through physical activity and play, games, arts, crafts, reading and nature exploration supports better sleep, better learning and normal physical development.How much sleep do kids need? An infant may need up to 16 hours of crib time a day, toddlers require 11 to 14 hours, and preschoolers are best suited for 10 to 13 hours.

 

5. Serve More Fruits and Vegetables :This year more than ever, it is vital that your kids have a colorful diet of various fruits and vegetables, which contain carotenoids, immunity-boosting phytonutrients. Carotenoids have been shown to improve the body’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an antibody that lines cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that regular consumption of these phytonutrients – found in fruits and veggies – can also protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease in adulthood.For best practices this school year, your child should try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

 

6. Encourage Regular Exercise : While sports may be canceled for the fall, it is more important than ever to limit screen time and get your child up and moving. Staying active – while following social distancing protocols – has been shown to not only increase immune system health and function, but also strengthen bones and muscles. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children between the ages of 6 and 17 get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.How much exercise do your kids need? The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children between the ages of 6 and 17 get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

 

Our expert medical staff at Greenleaf Apothecary recommends making a habit of these lifestyle changes to ensure your kids are healthy and happy as they return to school.

For more information on how to improve and maintain immune system health, schedule a consultation with our specialists or drop by our new location – a supplement plan might be the next step in keep you and your children safe this year.

 

 

For Doctors and Prescribers – We are dedicated to working with medical professionals to find the best treatment plans for our patients. Our staff is an extension of our network of doctors and physicians – we take the stress out of  filling your prescriptions. For information on how we can be a resource to you and your office, please inquire at info@mygreenleafrx.com or call 317-436-8328.

For Patients – Ask your doctor if a compounded medication plan might be right for you. We are always available to help with your medical needs at info@mygreenleafrx.com or call 317-436-8328.