This sponsored post from iVillage could not be more perfect for us as we are both nurses who have kids in school. As nurses and mom’s with experience, we know what it takes to keep your family healthy during the school year. Here are 11 tips to help keep your family from getting sick:
1) Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands!
We know you’ve heard it before, but we’re going to say it again and again…wash your hands! Good hand hygiene is the number one defense against getting sick.
2) Cover your cough and sneeze with your elbow.
If one of your children has a cough, encourage them to cough into their elbow or upper sleeve instead of their hand. This will help prevent the spread of germs to the other family members.
3) Change your tooth brush after you’ve been sick.
Don’t forget that germs live on tooth brushes. If you or your child has been sick (especially with something like strep throat) make sure to change your toothbrush after you’ve started antibiotics. This will prevent you/your child from getting sick again.
4) Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Lack of sleep decreases your body’s immune system. Get plenty of sleep to help your body fight off colds.
5) Keep up on immunizations.
This one speaks for itself. Immunizations prevent illness.
6) Eat healthy.
Sometimes this is easier said than done. It’s obvious, however, that the healthier you eat, the healthier you will be. If you kids aren’t the greatest eaters, at least give them vitamins.
7) Get outside.
Fresh air is great for you. Sometimes it’s hard to encourage the family to get outside in the colder months. Just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine, however, can do a body good.
8) Stay active.
Staying active and getting exercise helps to keep you healthy. Staying healthy helps you stay active. It’s a perfect circle.
9) Disinfect toys.
We all know to disinfect the kitchen and bathroom but how often do we disinfect toys? Don’t forget to wipe down toys after your children with colds or their friends with colds have played with them.
10) Pay attention to stress.
Stress is an immune suppressant. Make sure you are trying to reduce stressors in your family.
11) Be prepared for emergencies.
If you or your child has allergies, make sure the people around you know what to do in case of a reaction. Keep emergency numbers in a visible or easily accessible place (such as the inside door of the cupboard by the phone). Keep a first aid kit with emergency supplies in your house. Teach your children 9-1-1.
What other things do you do to keep your family healthy?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of iVillage
. The opinions and text are all mine.
