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How can I Keep my Kids Healthy During the School Year?

Nychole Price
Nychole Price

When children are in school, they are surrounded by germs that they may not have been exposed to before. This results in children often getting a variety of illnesses throughout the school year. There are several things you can do to help keep your kids healthy and minimize their absenteeism.

Immunizations will help to prevent the major illnesses that children may get during the school year. Illnesses, such as the chicken pox, run rampant among large groups of children. Make sure that your children receive their immunizations on time. Flu shots are definitely recommended during cold and flu season and should be given every year.

Exercise, such as sports, helps keep kids physically healthy.
Exercise, such as sports, helps keep kids physically healthy.

Children who eat healthy, nutritious foods have a much stronger immune system than those who don't. School days can be hectic for parents, especially for those who work, but making the extra effort to cook wholesome meals will keep kids healthy. Make sure to include all the food groups when preparing meals, to ensure that children receive all the recommended daily vitamins. Schools provide healthy, hot lunches for children during the week.

Chicken pox runs rampant in large groups.
Chicken pox runs rampant in large groups.

Adequate sleep helps to keep kids healthy, as it repairs the body. Young bodies are exposed to a multitude of stresses, including germs, throughout the day. When the body shuts down and goes to sleep, it is given the opportunity to recuperate. Children who lack the required amount of sleep become weak and can't fight off germs. School age children require eight to ten hours of sleep, per night.

Wholesome beverages like orange juice provide children with necessary vitamins and minerals.
Wholesome beverages like orange juice provide children with necessary vitamins and minerals.

Children who play outside and exercise on a regular basis are healthier than those who don't. This is because their bodies are stronger and can fight off germs more effectively. Keep kids healthy by turning off the TV and sending them outside to play whenever possible.

Also, keep kids healthy by teaching them to wash their hands. Children often put their hands in their mouth, either to bite their nails or suck their thumb. Whatever germs they may have acquired from touching other children or objects enter their body. Children who frequently wash their hands are less likely to get sick, as a majority of the germs are washed away.

Parents should keep up to date on their children's vaccination schedule to help kids stay healthy.
Parents should keep up to date on their children's vaccination schedule to help kids stay healthy.

Inform your children of the risk of sharing drinks, food,or grooming supplies. This will keep your kids healthy by preventing the passing of germs, illnesses and lice between children. Teach your children that sharing foods and drinks can result in serious illnesses, such as mono and herpes. The key to keeping kids healthy is making them aware of the illnesses and diseases that may be present at school.

Discussion Comments

truman12

@summing - I have been trying to get my kids to eat better because they need to lose some weight and both of them seem to get sick a lot. But it has been a real challenge. They would eat mac and cheese for every meal if I would let them.

What kinds of healthy recipes for kids have worked for you? I know that I am not going to get my kids to eat like raw food vegans but there has to be a way to sneak some veggies onto their dinner plates that they will not turn their noses up at.

tigers88

Make sure that your kids get enough sleep at night. This can help to keep them healthy and it will definitely improve their academic performance. Kids are more affected by fatigue than adults and it can be really difficult for a tired student to get the most out of school.

summing

Schools are pools of germs, disease and virus. You put that many kids in the same small place for long enough and things are going to get pretty gross. There is really no way to absolutely ensure that your child will not get sick but you can take steps to improve their chances.

A good diet is really important. This often gets overlooked in kids but they need fruits, veggies, whole grains and sugar free drinks for all the same reasons that adults do. If they put good things in to their bodies their bodies will be stronger and more illness resistant.

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    • Exercise, such as sports, helps keep kids physically healthy.
      By: Brent Reeves
      Exercise, such as sports, helps keep kids physically healthy.
    • Chicken pox runs rampant in large groups.
      By: Dan Race
      Chicken pox runs rampant in large groups.
    • Wholesome beverages like orange juice provide children with necessary vitamins and minerals.
      By: designsstock
      Wholesome beverages like orange juice provide children with necessary vitamins and minerals.
    • Parents should keep up to date on their children's vaccination schedule to help kids stay healthy.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Parents should keep up to date on their children's vaccination schedule to help kids stay healthy.
    • Frequent hand washing may help prevent the spread of germs.
      By: kmiragaya
      Frequent hand washing may help prevent the spread of germs.
    • Citrus fruits and fresh-squeezed juices are healthful lunchbox options.
      By: mitev
      Citrus fruits and fresh-squeezed juices are healthful lunchbox options.
    • Kids who eat nutritious foods typically have healthier immune systems than kids who don't.
      By: szeyuen
      Kids who eat nutritious foods typically have healthier immune systems than kids who don't.
    • Drinking lots of water can help the immune system battle viruses.
      By: alexlukin
      Drinking lots of water can help the immune system battle viruses.
    • Teaching kids to wash their hands can keep them healthy.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      Teaching kids to wash their hands can keep them healthy.
    • Using a pump bottle of soap instead of a bar of soap can help prevent the spread of germs.
      By: Africa Studio
      Using a pump bottle of soap instead of a bar of soap can help prevent the spread of germs.
    • Encouraging kids to use mouthwash can promote healthy gums and teeth.
      By: Matthew Cole
      Encouraging kids to use mouthwash can promote healthy gums and teeth.
    • Sack lunches should include an ice pack so they stay cool.
      By: michelaubryphoto
      Sack lunches should include an ice pack so they stay cool.
    • Young bodies are exposed to a multitude of germs and stressors throughout the day.
      By: robyelo357
      Young bodies are exposed to a multitude of germs and stressors throughout the day.
    • It's important to properly cover one's face when sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
      By: roboriginal
      It's important to properly cover one's face when sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
    • Preventing flu in children is particularly challenging.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Preventing flu in children is particularly challenging.
    • Children are more exposed to germs and therefore get sick more frequently.
      By: Zsolt Biczó
      Children are more exposed to germs and therefore get sick more frequently.