As holiday festivities fill the calendar in December, we want to provide some helpful tips to protect your children’s health.
1. Make sure they wash their hands and don’t share cups or utensils. This habit is especially important during family gathering, visits to the shopping mall, eating at restaurants, and attending other large gatherings.
2. Balance indulging in holiday treats with eating healthy snacks and meals. The daily allowance of fruits and vegetables provides the nutrition needed to fight germs and maintain energy. Have these healthy snacks available for your children during parties where sweet treats are the main fair.
3. Keep the holidays fun and healthy by making sure your children receive adequate rest times and plenty of sleep. Think of quiet activities such as craft making and baking in the kitchen to offset rushing around and attending large parties. Remember, the immune system needs 8.5 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
4. Dress appropriately when seasonal temperature changes are apparent. Keep sweatshirts, beanies and jackets handy for cooler mornings, overcast afternoons and chilly nights.
5. Don’t let exercise take a holiday break. Create holiday traditions that involve running, hiking, playing sports or engaging in other activities. For example, the whole family can participate in Wii games that involve plenty of moment and fun competition.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools
Image credit: Destiny In Bloom
Image credit: Destiny In Bloom
