Flu Season is Approaching: Are You Ready?
By Virginia Laird
As parents, we do all we can to protect our children from harm. However, there is little that can be done to prevent illness, leaving parents with a feeling of helplessness. When children are sick, worry and fear tend to take over. These emotions are generally accompanied by a lack of sleep, which can cause added stress. With flu season in full swing, it is time to begin teaching your youngsters what they can do to help fight off illnesses, including the flu. Although these things cannot prevent your home from falling ill, these tips can help wipe out germs which can cause illness, which can help you get more sleep and stay less stressed. These tips include:
- Wash your hands often
- Disinfect daily
- Stay hydrated
- Get enough sleep
Wash Your Hands Often
Washing the hands after using the restroom should already be a habit for everyone. However, during flu season more washes are necessary. Teaching your children to wash before eating or drinking can help prevent some illnesses. Another great idea is to practice washing hands after being in large crowds of people.
Disinfect Daily
Disinfect the surfaces of your home, car, and office. This can include the counters, tables, desktops, bathrooms, or any other surface that may cause you concern. These are all areas in which many people come in contact. Making sure to wipe these areas at least once a day can help prevent the spread of germs.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water may not do much to wash away germs, but it does boost the immune system. Being adequately hydrated helps support the systems of the body to function correctly. Everyone needs a healthy immune system to beat the flu. It is recommended you should drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily to stay properly hydrated.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is vital when trying to remain healthy. It is recommended that adults should get at least six hours of sleep each night. Children need much more than this. A lack of sleep slows the body and its functions. To keep the immune system at its prime, getting enough sleep is paramount.
It is never too late to begin healthy habits. While these cannot prevent your family from ever getting ill, it can help reduce the frequency and chances of illness in your home. Let’s hope the flu passes your family by!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dawsonville, Ga.