HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Kids’
Health
• Stop the spread of germs – Sanitizing frequently touched
surfaces (door handles, sinks, countertops) and handwashing
can help combat the spread of germs to other family members.
Providing sick children with a comfy space to recover, away
from other children, can help prevent contamination of highly
trafficked areas of the home.
• Stay moisturized in dry weather – Try limiting bath time and
make sure the water isn’t too hot. Follow your bathtime routine
with an ointment or cream, instead of lotion. Most lotions have
added ingredients, including fragrances and alcohols, which can
cause skin irritation. Opt for something as simple as petroleum
jelly or a mineral oil to lock in moisture throughout the day.
• Keep up with vitamin D – Vitamin D helps the body take in
calcium and build strong bones as well as fight infection, and
plays a role in heart health. But, according to the American
Academy of Pediatrics, a majority of the population is vitamin D
deficient. Wintertime can bring on less outdoor play (meaning
less exposure to sunlight) and most don’t receive enough
vitamin D through diet alone. Talk to your child’s health care
provider for proper supplement dosage amounts.
• Keep moving – Bundle up to go outside and sled ride or go for
a walk. Blowing bubbles isn’t just for the summertime, and if
it’s cold enough, they will freeze! You can also set up activities
inside the house to keep kids occupied, or look to your local
community center for fun indoor activities.
• Stay hydrated – According to a study published by
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, exposure to
cold temperatures can lessen your body’s response to thirst.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and make children
more susceptible to illness. Serve warm drinks such as soup
broths or warm cider after being in the cold, and always have
water available.
• Dress in layers – Babies and children should be dressed in
one more layer of clothing than an adult. Packing on too many
additional layers can cause sweating, making your child colder!
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by wool,
down, or fleece and a water/wind-resistant outer layer for
optimal warmth.
• Get some Zzs – An adequate amount of sleep is important for
everyone, especially when you’re sick. Offer quiet activities such
as books, puzzles, coloring, or a movie to allow for some much-
needed downtime. Encourage naps when possible to increase
resting time.
• Skip sharing (food and drinks) – Encourage your kids to wash
their hands before lunch to limit germs spreading to food. Also,
remind your children to keep their hands from touching their
face and the faces of others.
• Elbow trick – Teach kids to turn their heads to sneeze or cough
into a tissue or into their elbow to limit the spread of germs.
• Know when outdoor play is safe. Green Zone: 30 degrees
or higher – Safe to play outside with layers, but come inside to
warm up every 40 minutes. Yellow Zone: 20-30 degrees – Take
caution to monitor children for signs of shivering and come
inside every 20-30 minutes. Red Zone: Below 20 degrees – Stay
inside!
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