The kids are back to school! New teachers, new classes, new environments; it’s stressful – and chock-full of germs! There’s no better time than now to get back on track with some healthy routines.
Here are seven tips for staying healthy this back-to-school season!
Make a habit of good hygiene. According to the CDC, 80 percent of common infections are spread by hand, and washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to clean any germs that may cause infections such as the flu or common cold. Hand sanitizing with a 60 percent alcohol-based sanitizer is second best. Encourage frequent hand washing with your children and make sure they have sanitizer handy for when they can’t get to a sink.
Feed them the rainbow. A healthy diet strengthens the immune system, and a new school year is the perfect time to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your family’s meal plan. Start the day with a nutrient-rich smoothie – adding spinach or kale to a berry smoothie will likely go unnoticed and will offer a great boost to their day.
Protect their gut. About 70 percent of the immune system is housed in the gut and there’s a direct connection between the gut and the brain. Improving digestive health benefits immune and mental health, so now’s the time to get gut healthy. Incorporate probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, asparagus and garlic which promote healthy digestion. Add a daily probiotic, such as delPRO™, to your child’s back-to-school routine, to keep their tummies in balance. And, don’t forget, if your child is on a course of antibiotics, a probiotic will help restore beneficial gut flora.
Keep them moving. Exercise increases metabolic activity, mitochondria functions, better absorption from food, and better blood flow that increases cell nutrition and energy supply. It makes all the organs work better, including the brain. Exercise also offers the added benefit of stress relief and is a great way to get your kids off their devices, if even for a short time. A walk to school, a bike ride after dinner or a weekend hike are great options for the whole family.
Balance, don’t boost their immune system. A balanced immune system is optimal for well-being, that’s why it’s so important to support your child’s immune health daily. Consider an all-natural, daily immune supplement such as del-IMMUNE V® that replicates the intestine’s natural immune action. It turns on and off when needed, which is exactly the type of protection your child needs now.
Build in some Zzzzs. Studies show that those who don't get enough quality sleep are more prone to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold. School-aged children (6-12 years old) require nine to 11 hours of sleep; teenagers (13-18 years old), eight to 10 hours and adults seven to eight hours of sleep per night. It’s important to prioritize sleep and look for opportunities to build more rest into your child’s day. Whether it's a short nap after school or settling in a little earlier each evening (remember to power down their devices before bedtime), the extra sleep will make a difference.
Be supportive. It's not uncommon for anxieties to run high with the start of a new school year and the best way to help children manage stress is by being supportive and confident. Focus on the positives of the new routine - it will make all the difference for your child and for you!
