Here are 6 tried and tested tips to help set your children up for a happy and healthy holiday season.
As a Chiropractor and a Mom, I know that the Fall and Winter seasons can bring immune challenges. Here are tips that I use at home as well as recommend in my practice.
Tip #1 - Chiropractic care
The nervous system runs the rest of the body. Chiropractors are doctors that specialize in making sure that the nervous system is running unhindered. This is vitally important for a healthy immune system. Click here to set up an appointment.
Tip #2 - Sleep
Kids need much more sleep than adults. Even teenagers need between 8-10 hours and the hours increase the younger the child. As the days get dark earlier, watch the clock and limit fake light as you get closer to bedtime. If possible, allow your child to sleep in when the clocks get set back. Sleep is a priority that has far reaching health benefits. I have found that having a plan for dinner and making sure that dinner is early enough makes it easier to have a bedtime routine that allows for adequate sleep.
Tip #3 - Fresh air and exercise
Make sure your kids get outside and run around every day and in every season. Bundle them up if the weather is cold so they can be outside. Embrace the Scandinavian saying of “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
Tip #4 - Hydration
Cooler weather can make it harder to remember to drink water. Put the water where they will see it. Add some fruit or citrus to mix it up a bit and keep it fun.
Tip #5 - Food
This is vitally important for children. Kids need nutritious food. They are growing and need those resources to build and grow their body. Their body will use whatever building materials it has. If your kids are eating mostly junk food, that is what their replacement cells will be made of. Also, they need to have plenty of macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to build and grow themselves and to develop a healthy immune response when faced with an immune challenge. In addition to needing nutritious food, children also need a LOT to eat. Give them 3 meals plus 2-3 snacks of high quality carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. If you need some examples, let me know. Also, if your child is a picky eater or has a lack of appetite, set up an appointment, let's fix this.
Tip #6 - Supplements
During times that you know your child will face more immune challenges, it’s important to make sure that your child’s nutrient supply is full. In addition to your child eating healthy food, you can add supplements. Click here to see my top recommendations for supporting your child’s immune system. Remember, these are nutrients that are needed for your child’s daily needs and that get used up when there is an immune challenge. These are not just for when your child is sick. They are to give your child plenty of the nutrients needed to maintain their growth AND fight off illness.
A healthy immune system can fight off and build long term immunity without you even knowing it is happening. That means your child can get a stronger immune system without getting sick.
If you struggle with knowing what to give your kids to eat or how much they need.
If you have a picky eater or a child that is not usually hungry.
If your child has multiple food sensitivities.
If your child gets sick frequently.
If your child takes multiple days to fight off illness.
If your child has skin, hair, nail, or teeth issues (including cavities).
If you have a question about your child’s health.
A healthy immune system can fight off and build long term immunity without you even knowing it is happening. That means your child can get a stronger immune system without getting sick.