5 tips to keep kids healthy this school year

Despite our best efforts, our children are constantly in contact with microorganisms. This is particularly true when they interact with other children at the playground, at school, or through sports. By adhering to our ten recommendations for staying healthy at school ( and every where else), parents may help minimize sick days and maintain their kids’ robust immune systems.

Get adequate sleep

You should establish a regular nighttime schedule for your child’s health. Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade need to sleep for nine to eleven hours a night. The capacity to fend against illnesses, eating patterns, and behavior are all closely correlated with the quality of one’s sleep. In addition to increasing appetites for junk food, sleep deprivation frequently causes mood swings, tantrums, and an increased risk of infection.

Reduce screen time.

Any screen time which includes using computers, video games, tablet, phones, televisions that isn’t related to homework should be kept to two hours a day or less. Screen light has the potential to lower melatonin levels, which can interfere with sleep cycles and make it harder to fall asleep.

Practice healthy eating habits. 

Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner for your child and make sure they stay hydrated all day support their health. Encourage them to choose nutritious drinks like milk and water. Limit or completely give up caffeinated and sugar- sweetened beverages. Caffeine can raise your child’s blood pressure and pulse rate, disrupt their sleep, and make them tense and irritable.

Wash hands frequently to reduce spread of germs.

While washing, teach your kid to sing the happy birthday song twice, taking about 20 seconds each time. When washing hands isn’t an option, make sure your child has access to hand sanitizer. Instruct children to cough or sneeze into their arm or shoulder and to keep their hands away from their faces.

Promote proper backpack safety. 

A full backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your child’s weight. Heavy backpacks can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Give your child a good backpack with two straps and cushioned padding.