Avoid or lower your child’s risk of catching common colds this fall. The air is cooling and every now and then, in Florida, we are getting a little less that “hot” temperatures. For the rest of the country who’s already experiencing consistently cooler weather you know that can mean colds on the rise. Here are a few precautions to help you keep away colds.
Wash Hands
We hear this all the time but kids need to be reminded. How to properly wash hands as well as when to wash is just as important to teach them. Many kids may know to use warm water, soap and perhaps sing “Happy Birthday” to make sure they spend enough time washing. However, kids also need to know to wash their hands in the following scenarios:
-coming into contact with someone sick
-playground or play dates
-after sneezing/coughing
-before eating
Get Sleep
Sleep deprivation doubles the risk of catching a cold or the flu. Babies often need about 14 hours and preschoolers 11-13 hours.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Kids, even adults, have a hard time avoiding contact with their face throughout the day. Since viruses enter the body through the nose, eyes and mouth its important that kids not only wash their hands but remember not to touch their faces as much as possible.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Foods rich in Vitamin C (oranges, broccoli) and D (tuna, cereals) help to boost the immune system and food like yogurt with active culture (probiotics) can help defend the body.
Don’t a cold get your kids down this fall. Enjoy leaf piles, fall festivals and hot cocoa cold free.
