How to Keep Your Family Healthy Through Cold and Flu Season
While there’s no guarantee you or your children won’t catch the latest bug going around, there are a lot of things you can do to ward off illness. Today we’re going to go over some of the steps you can take to boost your immune systems and stay healthy during cold and flu season.
Promote Good Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands often, sanitize, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. That’s the most common way that germs and viruses spread. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, getting between their fingers and under their nails. A good way for them to wash thoroughly and long enough is to sing their ABCs or count to 25.
Reduce Stress and Get Enough Sleep
Stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system of even the healthiest children and adults. Going to bed even half an hour earlier each night can help boost your immune system.
- School-age children (ages 6-13) need 9-11 hours of sleep a day.
- Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep a day.
- Adults need 6-10 hours of sleep, depending on their overall health.
Many of us don’t get enough sleep. Chronic lack of sleep can weaken the immune system. Adjust family schedules to help everyone get their zzz’s.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Boost everyone’s immune system by getting plenty of vitamin C and vitamin D. The easiest way to do this is by eating a healthy diet. Include citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C like oranges and grapefruits in your diet every day, as well as leafy greens. If needed, you can use multivitamins or supplements, or children’s chewables.
Stay Active
Regular exercise, whether a workout at the gym, a walk at lunch, or a team sport, can help boost your immune system as well. Try to incorporate exercise for 30 minutes at least a few times a week for best results. Family walks on the beach can be a great way to do this.
Schedule a Chiropractic Visit
Some people think you should only see a chiropractor if you’re in pain. But the truth is, regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep your immune system functioning at peak performance. A misaligned spine can negatively affect your autonomic nervous system, which controls your immune system. By helping your nervous system with regular adjustments, you boost your immune system. Our chiropractic care team provides adjustments for both adults and children.
Stay Home If You’re Sick
Finally, if your or your child is running a fever, stay home from work or school. There is no need to spread the cold or flu virus to others. Let your body rest and heal itself. Return only when you are fever-free. If it’s a cold that has you or a child sneezing and sniffling, teach them to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their elbow if they have to cough or sneeze.
If you’re a suitable candidate for shockwave therapy, one of our chiropractors or a physical therapy team members will administer the treatment.
