Research-backed
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Let’s go on a trip down memory lane. Remember as kids, when you used to wait for the rainy season because you wanted to jump around in the rain? It would get messy, and you would get drenched, but it was fun to run around playing Lock ‘n Key, You’re It, and Running and Catching, in the rain. Your parents were furious because they were afraid that you would fall sick, but you didn’t care. All you wanted to do was have fun.
But now, as parents, you understand what you put your parents through. Even though the monsoon season can be fun, you realize the downside to it. It’s also the flu season. It’s the season when kids are more prone to catching a cold or a fever. But with a few precautions and careful tips, you can keep your kids healthy and safe during this flu season:
1. Eat Healthy
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Focus on incorporating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Kids need a lot more energy than adults. So ensure that they consume small healthy meals throughout the day. Milk, seeds and nuts, dry fruits, vegetables, green and leafy vegetables, and fruits are excellent sources of nutrition. Make eggs and lean protein a part of their diet to ensure strength and energy.
2. Make Exercise A Part Of Their Daily Routine
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Exercising every day brings about a positive change in your physical and mental wellbeing. It boosts your energy levels and stimulates your brain to provide feel-good chemicals (1). Kids who exercise regularly have better balance and posture, improved muscular strength, and enables the development of healthy bones, muscles, and joints (2). Choose an activity that your kid likes, so they enjoy their exercise.
3. Avoid Eating Outside Food
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It might be tempting to eat street food, ice golas, and other delicacies from outside. But your chances of catching an infection is higher when you eat food from outside because you don’t know how hygienic the food is. Therefore, it’s best to stick to home-cooked meals during this season.
4. Follow Sleep Hygiene
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As your kids grow up, they get less sleep due to excessive time spent on video games, television, and smart devices. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that kids get a minimum of 8-10 hours of sleep, depending on their age. Research says that sleep plays a critical part in kids’ growth and development, and kids who do not get enough sleep have problems in schools (3).
5. Practice Daily Hygiene
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Ensure that your kids take a shower daily, brush their teeth, and maintain their hygiene. It is important to keep the germs away by washing yourself with soap and water. Educate your kids about the importance of washing hands with a disinfectant and sanitizing when needed.
6. Cover Up
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Wear warm clothes during rains to prevent yourself and your kids from falling ill. If you have to step outside in the rain, make sure you’re wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella. In light of the current situation, wearing a face mask is a must. It ensures the safety of you and those around you.
7. Avoid Stepping Out
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Unless absolutely necessary, do not step out of your homes. We are amidst a global pandemic, so the safest option is to stay home. Stock up on essentials, so you don’t have to step out too often. But if you do, ensure you’re wearing a face mask and carrying tissues and sanitizer with you.
8. Drink Sufficient Water
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Drinking water is essential for both kids and adults. But with children, their bodies do not cool down as efficiently as adults’. So they find it hard to recognize thirst (4). You could get a sippy cup or a water bottle that they like and fill it with water so they can sip on it all day. You could also add a few slices of lemon or cucumber to add flavor to the water. Most importantly, set an example, so your kids follow suit.
9. Keep Your Surrounding Clean
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Personal hygiene is not the only thing that matters. Ensure that your home is clean and dust-free. Engage your kids in small chores around the house to make them independent. Teach them to put things back in their respective places after use, clear the debris from their plates, and put their dirty dishes in the sink. You can also teach them to keep their rooms clean and tidy.
It might be scary to fall ill in a time like this. But with the right precautions and a little bit of care, you can prevent catching a cold, cough, fever, flu or worse, COVID-19. Set an example for your kids and show them the healthy way to live. Were these tips helpful? Share this article with your friends to let them know.
