How to Stay Healthy
Sadly, it’s here...cold and flu season. It runs from November to April. So, what can you do to protect you and your children from getting really sick this winter. Here are some tips to help you:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick. No play dates with sick kids. No family visits with cousins who are sick. Stay out of large crowds in close quarters.
· If you or your children are sick, stay home and don’t infect everyone around you.
· Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Encourage your children to do the same. It is best to use your elbow. That way you won’t contaminate your hands and spread more germs.
· Do a lot of hand washing. Use anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Teach your children to wash their hands as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You!” Sing for them, if you have to.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the spread of germs and the likelihood of getting sick.
· Get a flu shot. The CDC says that people who get the flu shot are 90% less likely to get the flu.
· Eat a healthy, well balanced diet all the time, including lots of fruits and vegetables.
· Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water. You don’t want to get too fatigued or dehydrated.
· If your child has a suppressed immune system, keep them at home away from crowds and sick people. Even with a short exposure, like a run to the grocery store, could cause them to become very ill.
· Keep surfaces and toys in your home clean. You can use virus-killing disinfectant or a bleach solution. You can make it with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
For more information about cold and flu symptoms and tips to stay healthy, go to http://www.cdc.gov or www.keepkidshealthy.com.
CONTACT BROOKE DORSCH for more information or to inquire about services with Pediatric Therapy Professionals.
Director of Community Outreach for Pediatric Therapy Professionals
Speech and Language Pathologist
