The backpacks are filled with new supplies, lunches are packed, and fresh outfits are laid out and ready. School is in full swing alright, and before you know it the kids will be coming home with forms and homework and, inevitably, those dreaded coughs and sniffles. In other words – germs.
It is estimated that the average child has 6 to 10 colds a year. Sure, remote learning, rigorous hand washing and sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing likely have caused that number to drop quite a bit over the past couple of years, but even one cold or flu-related illness can result in missed schooling, doctors’ visits, and lost work time for parents and caregivers. And while it’s impossible to prevent your children from ever getting sick, here are some tried and true ways to help them stay healthier and stop the spread of germs.
Start from the inside out. Make sure your children get plenty of quality sleep, drink plenty of water, get enough exercise, and eat nutritious, well-balanced food. Remember, moderation is key. Fruit and veggies are easier to swallow when balanced with an occasional treat like pizza.
Wash hands often. If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of thoroughly washing our hands. Reinforce this essential habit as your kids head back into the classroom. Provide them with travel-sized hand sanitizers or wipes for those times they don’t have access to water and soap. And remind them to wash after using the bathroom and before every snack or meal. Don’t forget after recess or after coughing or sneezing!
Beware of the germ spots. Teach your child to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces, putting food directly on tables, and to never eat anything that has fallen to the floor. Another good reminder- for kids and adults alike – is to avoid touching your face, especially mouth and nose. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces in your home like doorknobs and handles, TV and gaming remotes, and phones.
Clean backpacks and lunchboxes regularly. From sitting on the floor of the bus, to being dragged across the school hallway or playground, back packs and lunch boxes can pick up an enormous number of germs. Wipe them down with antibacterial wipes or wash with soap and water if the material allows.
Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to germs. Remind your child to never share their utensils, water bottles, and bites of food with classmates.
Help restock the classroom. Many teachers spend their own funds to replenish supplies like sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, and paper towels – not to mention school supplies so each student has their own pencils, scissors, crayons, and more. Ask your child’s teacher what they could use to replenish their supplies. Better yet, start a sign-up list with other parents to ensure your child’s classroom has all the essentials to keep everyone as healthy as can be throughout the school year.
When the school and workdays are done, people come home – but home isn’t a germ-free environment, either. One way to kill them and make your indoor air and surfaces healthier to breathe and touch is with a whole-house air filtration system or UV lamp filtration system from Air Professionals. It’s a great way to breather cleaner and healthier air, day and night. Call for more information and a free new system estimate.