Winter arrives with cloudy mornings, woolen socks, and a host of germs that no one can see. In children the season may seem like a never-ending game of sniffles, sore throats and lost school days. Their immune systems are yet to understand how to play the game and thus they make easy targets as temperatures go down. The good news? Some careful habits and few, but frequent judgments may turn parents into using winter as a season of sickness to a season of health and comfort and hardihood.
The Guide to Keeping your Children Warm in Winter.
The combination of realistic habits that would include warmth, nutrition, hygiene, and activity are the things that you need to have in order to make your kids healthy this winter.
Layer Up Effectively
Wearing layers is not only a style, but it is also a practical protection. Be sure to have a bottom layer that will transport moisture and an insulated layer and a waterproof layer to keep off snow or rain. Hats, scarves and mittens are also necessary because so much of body heat is lost through the head and extremities.
Keep Them Hydrated
Cold climate tends to suppress the feeling of thirst, but hydration is vital to keeping open mucous membranes serving as the initial barrier against germs. They should be given warm water or even herbal teas or soups through the day to ensure that they are very well hydrated and comfortable.
Boost the Immune System through Nutrition.
The basis of a healthy immune system is nutrition. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables and eat vitamin C diet, zinc rich diet, such as nuts and seeds and eat foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Handwashing is the best but the easiest prevention tool. Teach children the need to wash their hands properly before eating, after an outdoor activity, sneezing, coughing. Sanitizers do not substitute washing, but may be used supplementally.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
Outdoor play is a must but the exposure during the season of cold and flu has to be regulated. Reasons to do mini, yet frequent outdoor activities rather than spending time in the open air and never go to crowded areas where viruses are prone to be transferred.
Keep Them Active
Working out improves the blood circulation, boosts the immunity and improves the mood. During the days when it is not so pleasant outside, it is even possible to make children active with the help of indoor games.
When to See a Paediatrician
However some of the symptoms that you should call your pediatrician include the following:
- The continuation of fever of over 2 days with or without medication.
- Pain in breathing, wheezing or rapid breathing.
- Over a week long cough.
- Dehydration signs such as dry mouth, urination reduction or fatigue.
- Such skin and rash diseases, which do not react to the appropriate treatment
Conclusion
Winter does not necessarily involve sickness. The combination of proper layering, hydration, healthy diets, high hygiene, controlled exposure, and physical activity will help you protect your children against the severe impact of cold, cough, and flu. They will be healthy and happy all the year round by taking charge of their health and keeping their energy levels high to make the most of this season of snow, and holiday. Today, prevention prevents tomorrow winter illnesses.