Germ Defense for Your Children
By Donna Stark
As your children head back to school this year, you may find yourself worrying about how to keep them safe and healthy. After all, we all know that schools are just one big mixing bowl of germs, shared spaces, and potential illnesses, right? Fortunately, there are ways that you can calm your sense of worry and keep your children as healthy as possible. Take a look at the following health tips your kids should know before they take that first step on campus.
Washing Hands
The most important thing you should teach your children is how to wash their hands correctly because good handwashing skills are the first line of defense against colds, flu, and other viruses. Here are the steps your children should take.
Wet hands
- Rub one pump of soap entirely over each hand
- Scrub the hands and underneath the fingernails for 30 seconds
- Rinse hands underwater for about 20 seconds
- Dry hands with a paper towel or under a hand drying machine
Encourage your children to wash their hands before they sit down to eat and after they use a tissue. And if there is a possibility that they won't be in a position to use soap and water, have them carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpacks.
Keeping Germs Away
The second line of defense against germs is to keep them away from the face as much as possible. Teach your children to sneeze and cough into their elbows and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth throughout the day. Remind them to not share drinks, food, utensils, scarves, hats, or lip gloss.
Avoiding Others
The last line of defense your children should know is to stay away from those who are sick or to stay at home if they are not feeling well themselves. Teach your children the symptoms to look out for and encourage them to keep their distance if they see those symptoms in a classmate. Also, be sure they understand the importance of letting you know when they are experiencing the symptoms themselves.
Staying Healthy During the School Year
No matter how many safety tips your children follow, there will still always be a chance that they will get sick. So, do your part as well, and make sure they are consuming a nutrient-dense diet, drinking the recommended amount of water, and staying physically active. With the safety tips above and a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the chances of anyone in your home coming down with an illness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newtown Square, Pa.