Protecting Kids from Sickness

CEBU, Philippines – It's never an easy job taking care of a sick kid. It means that parents, the all-the-time nurse, have to brace for sleepless nights and more absences from work. Not to mention the great worry the situation brings.

Catching germs, whether of cough or of colds, is inevitable for growing kids. It is a tough task for parents to keep small kids healthy all the time. No matter how protective the parents are, the little ones can still get sick while at school, in the playground, the bookstore, or at a neighbor's house.

When, for example, a classmate who has colds sneezes in the classroom without even covering his mouth, he spreads the virus to other students. The child sitting nearby may inhale the infected respiratory droplets in the air and get sick also.

Yet, while illnesses are unavoidable, there are certain things parents can teach their kids for them to minimize the chances of getting sick:

Do frequent hand-washing.

This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent germs from spreading. It is said that about 80 percent of infectious diseases are spread by touch. When the child's hands are regularly washed, germs have a low chance of invading the child's eyes or mouth, the most common entry points to getting infected.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund, which advocates Early Child Care and Development, suggests that children be reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, after playing outside or with their toys, or after blowing their nose.  They are to scrub their hands for 20 seconds - the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Fancy anti-bacterial hands soaps are not necessary.

Use alcohol-based sanitizer.

When warm water and soap are not available, children are to use an alcohol-based sanitizer, so parents must make sure that their child has one in his schoolbag. It is to be used after using common facilities or equipment at school, such as a shared computer, water fountain, or toilet.

But the kids have to be told that before they grab food after using the sanitizer, they first need to rub their hands together for about 20 seconds or until the gel evaporates.

Cover mouth and nose when sneezing.

Children must also have a handkerchief in their pocket or a pack of tissue paper in the schoolbag. They must use it when coughing or sneezing. They must be explained why tissue paper or handkerchief is important - it catches the germs and thus prevents it from spreading to other people.

The used tissue must be thrown in the trash bin, and the hanky folded with the used part inwards. The child should wash his hands or use a hand sanitizer right after. If it is not possible to reach a tissue or hanky in time, doctors suggest that the child sneeze or cough into the crook of his elbow.

Eat healthy foods.

Meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables help boost a child's immune system and prevent sickness. It is recommended that parents look for foods that are high in antioxidants, loaded with vitamin C (oranges and broccoli), and vitamin D (fortified milk and cereals).

Children also need a wide variety of nutrients (e.g. protein, complex carbohydrates, minerals, healthy fats and vitamins). Good nutrition and exercise are the building blocks for strong growth and healthy development of children.

Exercise, move about.

Parents shall spend time to play or share activities with their kids. Setting aside an hour every day for play, going for a walk, biking, riding, or swimming is good practice.

An exercise routine also provides quality time for the family. Instead of watching TV after dinner, the family is better to walk to the park, or move around at home, like doing simple chores, gardening etc. This is teaching the kids that good health doesn't only come from eating healthy foods but also from regular exercise.

Get plenty of sleep.

Parents shall make sure that the kid stick to an early bedtime schedule. Lack of sleep nearly doubles the risk of getting a cold, cough, or even flu. Based on studies, preschoolers need at least 11 to 13 hours of zzzz.

Be vaccinated.

Finally, the child's vaccinations shall always be up-to-date. Vaccinations can also protect him from bacteria and viruses. The pediatrician can help on what kind of immunization the child should get annually.

(Reference: http://www.parents.com)