Kids Are Back to School, and So Are Germs: 5 Ways to Keep Your Health Optimal in Arizona
Summer has officially come to an end, and kids are slowly settling back into the school routine. As we bid farewell to the warmth and excitement of summer, we’re easing back into the usual rhythm.
As school kicks off, kids and parents settle back into their usual routines. It's an exciting time for kids—meeting new friends, trying new things, and discovering their passions.
However, back-to-school season also brings concerns for parents about the spread of germs between kids and households.
Beyond shopping for new supplies and clothes, parents are also gearing up to strengthen their kids' health and immune systems for the year ahead.
Allergy Season in Arizona
For years, it's been widely believed that escaping to a desert climate, like Arizona, can provide lasting relief for allergy sufferers.
Arizona’s unique climate and vegetation cause an increase in allergic reactions to a variety of allergens. Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Air pollution
- Juniper trees
- Mulberry trees
- Ryegrass
- Bermuda grass
- Ragweed
- Tumbleweed
- Arizona fescue
Some allergens are more seasonal than others.
Arizona has a dry and breezy climate. This allows plant pollens and allergens to travel easily through the wind, spreading for miles. Some plants grow year-round in the Arizona climate, which means they are constantly producing allergy-inducing pollen.
Arizona’s allergy season is at its peak during the late spring and early summer (typically at its worst from February through June). Arizona’s fall season (September through November) often sees a rise in allergic reactions due to the presence of ragweeds, which release pollen from August to November.
As schools reopen, so does allergy season in full force. Managing common symptoms like sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, and fatigue is tough enough for adults—imagine how challenging it is for young children!
Here Are 5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Healthy for School
Part of getting school supplies, books, and new clothes ready for school, parents must also keep their kids in optimal health. Here are 5 easy ways to keep your kids healthy for school:
1. Teach kids to wash their hands regularly
Let’s go back to basics: good handwashing gets rid of germs and prevents them from spreading from one person to another.
Teach your kids to wash their hands regularly and often when they are at school - scrubbing their hands, fingers, and under their nails. Proper hand washing should last for 20 seconds, or make them sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice.
Kids should wash their hands before and after eating, after going to the bathroom, and after playing with toys. Additionally, teach them to avoid touching their face and mouth. This may be difficult though, especially for very young children, so teaching them to keep their hands clean instead may be more effective.
2. Keep vaccines and flu shots up to date
Before the new school year starts, make it a point to keep your children’s vaccines and flu shots up to date. This will ensure that they are well-protected and prevent them from contracting viruses that can lead to serious complications.
Additionally, you may want to get your children an allergy test - as a more active preventive measure. Depending on the results, your doctor may prescribe medications that will provide allergy sufferers with instant relief.
Knowing what your child is allergic to will allow you to teach them to avoid these allergens. Allergic reactions may weaken the immune system so preventing them is a way to help your immune system.
3. Don’t share personal items
Teach your kids to not share personal items like water bottles, utensils, and other objects that come in contact with the mouth. Anything that comes in contact with the mouth will have saliva on it and could easily spread diseases.
Common illnesses like colds and flu are easily spread via saliva. Once your kid catches the virus, they’re going to get sick and bring it home with them.
Label your kids’ personal items that they bring to school and teach them to never lend them or borrow from any of their friends.
4. Boost immunity with enough sleep and a proper diet
A healthy and strong immune system will aid the body in fighting off infections from bacteria and viruses. Aside from vaccines that you should keep updated, getting enough sleep and a proper diet will help boost children’s immune systems.
The American Academy of Sleep made the following recommendations:
- Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps).
- Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours.
- Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours.
A proper and healthy diet is also key to strengthening the immune system. Proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables will give young children the nutrients they need. Additionally, teach them to drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated.
Get kids in the bath immediately
Lastly, when your children arrive home after a day at school, get them out of their outdoor clothes, into the shower, and change into a set of fresh clothes.
This will keep germs, bacteria, pollens, dust, and allergens they’ve picked up while outside from spreading everywhere in your home.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Kids Get Sick as School Starts
Your priority as a parent will always be your children’s well-being. Getting ready for the new school year also entails taking proactive measures to keep your children in optimal health and ready for school.
Teaching your kids about the dangers of the spread of germs and proper germ prevention will keep them healthy. If you’re also concerned about allergies this coming school year, reach out to us and let us help.