The start of the school year is an exciting time for kids, but it can also be a time when they are more susceptible to getting sick. Here are some tips on how you can help safeguard your kid’s health during this busy time of year.
Make sure they’re getting enough sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, school-age children need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. A lack of sleep can make kids more prone to getting sick. During the summer, it’s not uncommon for bedtimes to be more relaxed because more activities are happening.
A few weeks before school starts is an excellent time to enforce wind-down time and bedtimes. This will help kids ease into a sleep schedule that’s more aligned with what they’ll need during the school year.
Check the diet
Summertime is notorious for eating more treats. Trips to the ice cream shop, snacks on the beach, and vacations can mean that eating habits have changed, and getting back on the healthy eating track can be a difficult transition. However, it’s essential to teach kids that a healthy diet helps boost the immune system and will help prevent them from getting sick.
Substituting fruits and nuts is a good way to ease back into healthy eating. An apple or banana with some almond butter is a quick and easy snack that will also help them feel fuller longer.
Keep an eye on those heavy backpacks.
Carrying around a heavy backpack can cause kids to develop poor posture. This strains the spine and muscles, leading to back and neck pain. We recommend that kids carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their backpack.
If your child’s backpack is too heavy, talk to their teacher about ways to lighten the load. Maybe they don’t need to carry all their books home daily, or there are ways to organize the backpack, so it’s not as heavy.
Encourage them to stay active.
Even though kids are more active during the summer, it’s important to encourage them to stay active during the school year as well. Being active helps boost the immune system and is a great way to combat stress.
There are plenty of ways for kids to stay active, even if they’re not playing sports. Taking a brisk walk or bike ride after school, going for a swim, or playing tag are all great ways for kids to get some exercise.
Keep up with the adjustments!
Research has shown that chiropractic care can help reduce the severity and frequency of childhood illnesses. A chiropractic adjustment removes interference in the nervous system, allowing the body to function at its fullest potential.
Getting adjusted regularly will help keep their immune system functioning properly to fight illness more efficiently.
We hope these tips help you keep your kids healthy during back to school! If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 262-796-5108 or schedule here online.
