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Are your kids constantly sick with colds and stomach bugs, while other families appear to be the picture of health? There are many factors that affect the immune system. However, making some simple changes in the home and encouraging healthy habits can reduce nasty illnesses drastically.
Room Temperature
Research shows that temperature has an impact on health, particularly for people with respiratory problems. One area it can cause problems is in the bedroom. Being too hot or too cold can affect your sleep dramatically. Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep increases the likelihood of contracting illnesses. This is something that can be easily fixed by changing bedding and maintaining heating and air conditioning through companies such as www.mcgowansac.com.
Further details on how temperature impacts on health can be found on websites such as www.doctorshealthpress.com.
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Washing Hands
Regularly washing your hands significantly reduces passing the germs that cause colds and gastrointestinal illnesses. The tricky part is getting your kids to do this frequently. Teach your kids about germs and the importance of washing their hands. Any healthy habits need to be modeled, as well as being taught. So make sure you do this yourself regularly. Impose a rule where everyone washes their hands before sitting down to a meal.
Hand sanitizers are also useful for when kids are at kindergarten or school. However, they are not as effective as traditional soap and water.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet helps to boost the immune system, which in turn fights off illnesses. If you haven’t done so already, ensure your kids are getting a mixture of colored fruit and vegetables in their diet. Foods rich in vitamin C are great for the immune system and include broccoli, strawberries, and peppers, etc.
Allergens
If your kids suffer from allergies, you may need to take extra precautions in the home. The actions you take will depend on the specific allergy. General tips include:
- Dusting and vacuuming regularly and installing an air filter
- Only purchasing home textiles and bed linen that can be removed and washed thoroughly
- Keeping pets out of kids’ bedrooms and play areas
- Using hypoallergenic bedding if required
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Home Hygiene
Germs and bacteria spread quickly in dirty homes. Make sure you keep on top of cleaning and removing trash, etc. The kitchen needs extra care to ensure food storage areas and the fridge are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
Research shows that chopping boards are a breeding ground for bacteria and you can’t always see it. Ensure you wash your chopping board carefully, especially if you use it to prepare uncooked meat, and change it on a regular basis.
Activities
Remaining active also boosts our ability to fight diseases. So it’s time to switch off the computer games and get some fresh air. Encourage your kids to be active by introducing them to games and sports. Set up regular family activities where they can walk and run around. Make your garden kid-friendly and provide interesting, fun games for them to play.
Making a few simple changes in the home and encouraging new habits could drastically improve the health of the whole family. Start now and enjoy a happy and bug-free year.
