Congratulations, parents! You made it. Your kids are back in school, and you’re the ones who helped them get there. However, now that they’re back, it is important for them to stay healthy so they don’t have to miss school because of sickness. Here are a few reminders to help your kids stay healthy this school year.
Remind Your Children:
1. To wash their hands often. Hand washing is an effective way to ward off colds and the flu. Teach them to wash with soapy water before eating meals, after using the bathroom, after handling the classroom pet and when they return home after school. Children should wash for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). Remind them to wash the backs of their hands, in between their fingers and under their fingernails. If allowed, encourage children to carry hand sanitizer or wipes in their backpacks.
2. To avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth when their hands are not clean (germs enter the body this way).
3. To cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of the elbow instead of the hands.
Teach them to throw tissues straight into the trash after use.
4. Not to try a friend’s drink or take a bite of someone else’s lunch. It’s also a bad idea to share hats, hairbrushes or hair clips. This can help minimize the spread of head lice and ringworm.
4. To get enough rest! Well-rested children are healthier children. The immune system is weakened and kids get sick easier when they haven’t had enough rest. It is recommended for children ages three to five years of age to sleep 10 to 13 hours each night, six to 13 years of age to sleep nine to 11 hours and 14 to 17 years of age to sleep eight to 10 hours each night.
There are five pediatricians on staff at the Children’s Clinic. Visit www.jrmc.org and click on “Find a Doctor” to find a physician for your child.
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