Keeping kids healthy at school is not always easy. Last week’s blog post talked about why kids are more likely to catch cold and flu viruses at school, but the good news is that there are ways to stay healthy. Here are some tips that you can follow for keeping kids healthy right from the start of the school year that help prevent germs from spreading in the first place.
How can you help your child prevent germs from spreading at school?
A study was done to find out what the most germy spots are around schools. The lunch room tables, computer mouses and drinking fountains were some of the most infested places. Different kids are touching these surfaces throughout the day and spreading germs to each other. Getting sick can’t always be avoided, but the spread of germs can be reduced by following some general practices. It is good to educate your child at home so they can continue to use the same practices when they are at school.
1. Keep your kids hydrated, rested and full of vitamins
Drinking water is one way to keep your kids bodies equipped to fight off germs. Taking daily vitamins that are full of vitamin C are also ways to help boost your family’s immune system. Making sure to get plenty of rest also keeps your body strong to stand against illnesses. By keeping yourself and your family members healthy your kids will be more likely to avoid catching whatever bugs are going around the school. This is also a good step toward preventing the cold and flu viruses from taking over your home.
2. Wash hands often at home and at school
It might seem like a no brainer to tell kids to wash their hands throughout the day, but this is something kids tend to forget to do. Washing hands is not just important after using the washroom but also after coughing or blowing your nose and before eating. Kids especially eat a lot of finger foods, so it should always be a requirement to wash hands before eating a snack or a meal. Reminding your kids to wash their hands will help keep them and other kids from getting sick at school. This article shows why handwashing is so effective at keeping people healthy.
3. Avoid sharing food or drinks with others
Friends sometimes like to share food and drinks with each other. They may think it is harmless, but this is one way that is bound to spread germs to other students around the school. If your child enjoys sharing snacks with friends they can pack extra snacks or drinks to pass around instead of sharing the same food or drink item.
4. Promote health education at school
It is good to inform your children about how to reduce germs from spreading. Another way of keeping kids healthy at school is to have health education at the school. Sharing health tips with all of the students in the school will help get the whole school involved in preventing germs and sickness from spreading. Even if there is not a separate health class every classroom teacher can spend some time covering basic information with their classes.
These tips can’t guarantee that your kids will never get sick when they go back to school. However, by following these simple steps and reminders it will at least help to reduce germs from spreading and limit the numbers of students who have to stay home from school due to illness.
