Parents and kids alike are excited for the start of the new school year albeit for very different reasons. Moms and dads can’t wait for kids to be occupied during the day and learning all they can while kids can’t wait to see friends again after long summers apart. Every new school year brings challenges, not the least of which is staying healthy. It may seem like an impossible task but you can keep yourself and your family healthy with some simple adjustments in your daily activities.
Get Your Zzzz’s
Having a regular sleep cycle is essential to good health. Your body repairs itself and your mind processes all the day’s activities while you sleep. Depending on your child’s age, they will need anywhere from 8-11 hours of sleep per night to maintain good health. Less than that puts them at risk for lower immune system strength and can catch colds easier. Make it a habit to have the same bed time every night and same wake up time to establish routines.
Make Handwashing Fun
Kids touch everything! And usually put their hands in their mouth or eyes immediately after touching something. Teach your child good handwashing by having them sing the “Happy Birthday” song as they scrub their little hands. If you make a game of it, they will be more apt to make it a habit. This will help keep germs at bay even when you can’t get them to stop putting their hands in their mouth.
Snacking Healthy
When kids come home from a long day at school, the first place they go to is the fridge. Stock up with healthy snacks like fresh fruit, carrot and celery sticks. Have peanut butter at the ready too for dipping. A delicious after school treat is a bowl of sliced banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter. The protein will hold them over til dinnertime.
Stay Hydrated
When we are sick, we are always told to drink lots of fluids and especially water. It helps flush our system of toxins and bacteria. But it helps to prevent illness as well for the very same reason. Make it fun for kids by giving them a reusable, colorful water bottle. There are all kinds available in almost every store, ranging from Moana to Batman. They can always refill it at the school water fountain throughout the day.
Exercise
Unless your child is fortunate enough to still have recess, chances are they aren’t getting too much exercise during the school day. Even gym class isn’t a very rigorous activity anymore. Create a daily routine where you and your kids take a walk before or after dinner. This will keep their minds refreshed and burn off any excess energy from the day. Exercise keeps the body and the mind healthy and promotes good sleeping habits.
As you read through this list, you may realize these are not just tips for back to school, but for everyday healthy lifestyles. Many of these tips can help a variety of ailments including any skin issues you may have such as acne or eczema. If you and your family follow the tips above and still battle with skin problems.