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5 Ways to Avoid Sickness During Back-To-School Season
Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial, especially during back-to-school season! Check out these tips to help your whole family avoid sickness during this busy time of year and ensure everyone heads into the new semester recharged and ready to learn.
Quality Sleep
A good night’s rest can be the difference between staying healthy and becoming more susceptible to sickness. There is a proven link between proper sleep and staying healthy. Poor sleeping habits over a long period wear down our bodies, resulting in potential medical problems such as:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
It’s important to know the amount of sleep children should get to avoid poor sleeping habits. Children between 6 and 12 years old require around 9-12 hours of sleep per night, whereas children between 13 and 18 years old require about 8-10 hours. Limiting external factors that may affect sleep quality can also benefit overall health, including avoiding screens, sugary foods, and caffeinated drinks before bed.
Balanced, Healthy Diet
Similar to a proper amount of sleep, a balanced diet can make a big impact. Nutrient-dense foods help children receive essential nutrients while limiting overall calories. Make sure kiddos are eating foods rich in the following food groups to maintain a strong immune system:
- Protein, such as nuts and meats
- Fruits, such as bananas, apples, and oranges
- Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers
- Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
- Grains, such as rice and bread
Establishing healthy eating habits within these food groups can help children fend off viruses that come their way. However, this can be challenging if your child is a picky eater. One effective strategy is to create a safe eating environment where children feel comfortable and relaxed. In this environment, they will feel less pressure to finish foods they may initially dislike but could grow to enjoy over time.
Proper Hydration
Among some of the best ways to prevent sickness is staying hydrated. Drinking water can make you feel more energized, ready, and able to tackle the day. Children between 4 and 8 should drink around 5 cups of water per day, and children over 8 should plan to drink 7 to 8 cups of water per day. As little ones grow, make sure to encourage a steady increase in daily water intake as well.
Remembering to stay properly hydrated can be a challenge. One way to make drinking water easier for little ones is Absopure All Natural Spring Water Packables™! These 6.5 oz bottles fit perfectly in backpacks and lunch boxes, ensuring there’s still room to fit nutritious foods that will further help students fight off viruses and stay in the classroom. Find Packables™ in a store near you today.
Good Hygiene
Remind kiddos to wash their hands consistently and effectively! Bacteria is hidden everywhere. Hand washing is an important habit to develop at a young age. Try incorporating a fun song to ensure children wash with soap for at least 20 seconds. Some popular options include singing Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star twice and the chorus to “Love Shack” by the B-52’s or “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.
Hand washing isn’t the only key practice to good hygiene. Teaching children to sneeze into their elbows and avoiding sharing food and utensils with others is key to staying healthy and keeping germs at bay.
Stay Home
Though eating right, washing your hands, and drinking water are important steps to keep little ones healthy, they are not foolproof. Limit the spread of illness by keeping children home from school when they’re sick. Sometimes, a day of rest is just what the body needs to reset.
Staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and eating a balanced diet are essential to keeping children safe and healthy during the back-to-school season. Incorporating these tips to avoid sickness, like staying well-stocked with Absopure All Natural Spring Water Packables™, can help ensure your family is equipped to combat viruses and remain strong and healthy.
