There is a lot of information on how to naturally treat illnesses that kids get in winter like colds, the flu, sore throats, and earaches, but it is equally, if not more important to know how to ward off these illnesses beforehand. Using natural remedies that are simple and effective will not only keep your child healthy, but they will also keep the rest of the family healthier by reducing the amount of harmful germs in your home.
Hand Washing Habits- As soon as the kids are old enough to wash their hands on their own, make sure that they use warm water and soap. They will sometimes just run cold water on their hands, and then dry them, thinking that will do the trick, so they also need to learn also wash thoroughly. A good way to teach them to wash their hands thoroughly is to have them sing a song while they are washing them, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, to slow them down a little bit. If children are not old enough to learn proper hand washing yet, clean their hands several times a day with alcohol-free wipes.
Proper Nutrition- In winter, when colds, flu, and other illnesses run rampant, your child’s body will need antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables that have illness-fighting properties. Have your child go to the grocery store and help pick out the fruits and vegetables they would like so they are more apt to eat them.
Vitamins- Adding a daily multi-vitamin in addition to healthy foods will boost their immune system even more. Choose a dye free, all natural vitamins with no preservatives. Keep the bottle tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Sleep- Rest is how our bodies recover from being sick, as well as stay strong to fight off illnesses. With school and social schedules during the winter months kids can really become run down. Make sure they get to bed when they are supposed to, and if they get extremely tired have them take a nap to allow their body to recharge.
Drink Fluids- The body can become very dehydrated during the winter, so be sure that the kids are drinking plenty of fluids. Just be sure that the drinks are not caffeinated or that will cause dehydration to be worse. Stick with water, juices, and broths. Staying hydrated will also keep the mucus membranes moist which will help catch and stop germs that enter the nasal passages.
(Photo courtesy of Marja Flick-Buijs)
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