Ways to keep your child healthy in winter
During the winter season, many children miss school due to being sick. Here are five smart things you can do to boost their immune system.
During the winter season, many children suffer from flu and colds.
This leads to them having to miss school and other extra mural activities.
Let's look at five things you can do to ensure your kids are healthier this winter season.
Eat healthy
One of the best ways to boost your children's immune system is through the food they eat.
In your cooking, ensure you include herbs such as garlic and ginger, which are loaded with anti-bacterial properties. You can also add lemon, which is packed with vitamin C.
For fruits, make sure your kids pile up on oranges, kiwi, and pineapple.
READ: How the flu vaccine protects you
Keep them warm
Your kids may be more susceptible to colds and flus if they are not wearing warm clothes. As a parent or guardian, it is important that you ensure that you keep the young ones warm.
Wash their hands
One of the best ways to ensure your kids don't get sick is to make sure they frequently wash their hands or sanitise after touching things.
The Center For Disease Control and Prevention reports: "Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water."
“Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick,” it adds.
Take immune-boosting supplements
Sometimes the food we eat does not provide the sufficient vitamins that children need. Talk to your doctor about which multivitamins are safe for your children to consume.
Get enough sleep
School-aged children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, according to U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics have revealed that sleep deprivation can put your health at risk. Getting enough sleep will help boost your child's immune system.
READ: The importance of washing your hands
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
Image courtesy of iStock/ @shironosov