How to prevent illness in children as the seasons change
Does your child seem more prone to getting sick as the seasons change? Most people think that cold weather is the cause but there are better ways to prevent illness than just bundling up.
Treat allergies
Problem: If your child suffers cold symptoms such as a constant runny nose or a cough at a certain time of the year the cause could be seasonal allergies or asthma according to the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
Solution: If your child’s cold symptoms have not resolved after several weeks consult their doctor for a referral to an allergist. These medical professionals can test to see if constant seasonal symptoms could be due to allergies rather than illness.
Reduce stress
Problem: The American Psychological Association noted that stress can weaken individuals’ immunity. Starting the school year can be stressful on children who are navigating a new school new teachers new friends a new work load and new activities. When children cannot cope well with normal stressors or the stress is extreme — due to issues like bullying work overload performance fears and peer pressures — it can weaken the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses.
Solution: Keep the lines of communication open with your child so you can help them navigate these changes throughout the year especially as new seasonal activities begin. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that parents watch for signs of stress including withdrawal from favorite activities sleeping problems stomachaches headaches a negative attitude or even signs of anti-social behavior such as lying or stealing.
Improve nutrition
Problem: Nutrients from vitamins minerals carbohydrates protein and fat are essential to a healthy immune system so that it can prevent illness according to the Mayo Clinic. The poor nutrition quality in a steady diet of processed and fast foods that are high in added sugar and fat can weaken your child’s immunity making them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria that thrive in colder weather.
Solution: The Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine suggested choosing whole plant foods such as fruits vegetables whole grains beans and nuts as the basis of snacks and meals. Whole plant foods deliver all your basic nutrients — along with a healthy dose of fiber and antioxidants — with less fat no cholesterol and no added salt sugar or oil.
Sleep better
Problem: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics grade school children ages 6-12 need nine to 12 hours of sleep every night and teens ages 13-18 need eight to 10 hours of sleep every night. Adequate sleep will help your child have a healthier immune system and can support better school performance behavior memory and overall mental health.
Solution: The AAP recommended keeping all screen devices — such as TVs computers laptops tablets and phones — out of children’s bedrooms. Make sleep a priority and create a bedtime wind-down routine (without any electronics) that begins at least one hour before bedtime.
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