Keeping Your Kids Healthy for Back to School

At Progressive Medical Center, we are committed to health and wellness. We apply a whole-person approach to every member of your family to derive comprehensive insights into health that unlock a better quality of life.

We know that 2020 has been a difficult year, to say the least, full of numerous stressors. As kids head back to school, some will be returning to the classroom to mingle with peers in person, some will navigate a hybrid of at-home and in-person learning, and others will continue exclusively remote schooling—leaving their parents to juggle work and supervising schoolwork.

In light of these challenges, many of our clients have asked us if there are any particular measures that can be taken to promote good health as the new school year begins.

One topic that seems to be at the front of everyone’s mind is how to boost immunity heading into the traditional cold and flu season. The good news is that there are steps to take to help you and your family stay healthy. As a team of dedicated medical professionals, here’s our advice for preventative measures against viral infections to help your kids’ immune systems work optimally:

1. Sleep

   Everybody needs sleep, but did you know that it’s one of the most critical things you can do to boost your immune functionality? Most adults require a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. Kids under the age of 18 should get an average of nine to eleven hours of sleep for optimal bodily renewal.

2. Healthy Foods
   

   Reducing the consumption of fried or fatty foods can go a long way in promoting overall health. Nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, vegetables, and berries offer a great way to ensure that your children receive enough energy for their bodies to function.

3. Probiotic Support

   Pediatricians know that good gut health contributes to a strong immune system. Look for a once-daily kid-friendly probiotic to ensure good gut flora.

4. Exercise

   Daily activity is another absolute must to keep the brain and body healthy. Fitting in at least 30 minutes a day of vigorous cardio or activity can decrease stress in kids, increase cardiac output and promote a good night’s sleep.

5. Good Hygiene

   Practicing good hygiene and hand washing is a great way to reduce the spread of germs in the house. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and clean water while using a vigorous scrubbing motion for at least twenty seconds. Right now, we recommend washing your hands and changing clothes as soon as you get home. Also, try to avoid wearing your shoes in the house if possible.

6. Creative Stress Release Techniques

   School and life in general at the moment can be stressful. When the body is stressed, the immune system can take a dive, creating fewer germ-fighting white blood cells. To counter this, we encourage you to find creative ways to release stress or anxious feelings. Whether through talking, taking a daily walk, doing yoga, or drawing, addressing the mental health component of today’s world is important to maintaining good bodily health.

We know there’s still a lot of uncertainty ahead, so instead of getting caught up in fretting, put that energy to use toward items that you actually have control over, such as those mentioned in the above list.

While unfortunately there’s no guarantee that you won’t catch something, the good news is that even if you do, a stronger immune system will enable you to fight it off more quickly.