Your Child's Health in All Seasons
By Brandi Goodman
Keeping your kids healthy is far more complicated than just making sure they exercise and eat right. The season plays a major role in just how you can do those things and truly keep your kiddos feeling healthy and well. Consider these tips for keeping your child's health intact in all seasons.
Winter
The cold weather can be harsh on health. Be sure your kids are wearing the appropriate clothing when outdoors. This means bundling them up in layers and having them wear gloves, hats, and scarves. Snow pants are good choices for young ones to protect them from the cold and wind. They're also excellent to play in and prevent their clothes from getting wet.
Spring
The spring season brings about allergies for many. Pollen from plants is in the air and can interfere with your respiratory system. If your kids are having a hard time breathing, experiencing watery or itchy eyes, or sneezing often, they may need some allergy medication. It is also wise to track air quality and pollen scores and keep your kids inside if it's a particularly bad day.
Summer
The summer is a fun time for many, but it also comes without a lot of structure. Kids have their school day throughout the year to keep them waking at a certain time and going to sleep when appropriate. In the summer, there may be no schedule at all. Though this is fine at first for a break, it may be wise to set a structure for the summer so your kiddos can keep their well-being in check. Set a wake and sleep time so they aren't keeping late hours and losing out on the sleep they need.
Fall
The fall season is when school starts back up. Your kids may not have been in close proximity with a bunch of other children over the summer. Now that school has ramped up, they'll be in a confined classroom with a bunch of others, most likely sharing supplies and touching the same surfaces. This leads to sickness rather quickly as germs are spread. Talk to your children about the importance of washing their hands properly and often and doing their best to stay away from others who are sick.
Keeping your kids healthy isn't an easy feat. There are different things to consider depending on the season. It's much more than offering healthy meals and snacks and making sure they get enough physical activity in their day. Be diligent and always do what you can to teach your kids healthy habits and ensure they can remain healthy and well into adulthood.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.