As children and teens congregate for the new school year, they might return to the classroom with a few “souvenirs” from summer break — like germs.
Coupled with the surge in COVID-19 cases in Oregon and the approach of flu season, heading back to school is an important time to practice preventative measures to protect your family’s health and the health of our community. As a parent, you can model good hygiene behaviors and teach your children and teens to help keep disease at bay by taking the following actions:
Wash. Your. Hands.
This is the most important and effective practice to prevent the spread of disease. Get your kids into the habit of washing their hands before meals, after using the restroom and at intervals throughout the day when they are touching lots of different shared surfaces, like in school. Always use soap, wash for at least 20 seconds scrubbing fingers and thumbs and dry hands properly. If hand washing isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. TIP: Let your child pick out a hand sanitizer key chain for their backpack!
Sneeze and Cough the “Right” Way
Not into your hands, which just spreads the germs elsewhere as soon as you touch something. Use a tissue, preferably, or the crook of your elbow.
Stay Up To Date on Vaccines
Vaccines are a safe and effective way for the whole family to gain immune-boosting power. Make sure your vaccines are up to date and get a flu shot every year. You can even make it a tradition to do it together as a family and get ice cream afterward!
Boost Your Immune System
Eating a nutritious diet helps prime your body to fight disease by giving it the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Getting at least 30 minutes of outside play or exercise helps boost antibodies and white blood cells.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is essential for maintaining good immunity. Shut off screens at least an hour before bed (that means parents too!) and stick to a sleep schedule that allows 9-12 hours for elementary and middle-school kids, 8-10 hours for teens and 7-9 hours for adults.
Find Your People
For some families, the return to school can bring a sense of relief through routine, structure and stability; for others, it means added pressures and commitments — which can mean stress and isolation. Both parents and children can benefit from a support structure of friends and family to offer a safe place to recharge and connect.
Get a Check-Up
Don’t just see your healthcare provider when you’re sick — children and adults should visit at least annually to check on overall health and do preventative screenings. As football season approaches, remember: the best offense is a good defense!
For more information about Mosaic Community Health or to book your child an appointment with our pediatric team, visit mosaicch.org or call 541-383-3005.
