The new school year is in full swing, and while this is an exciting and occasionally stressful time for all parties, school can also mean that your child will be exposed to an assortment of sickness-causing germs.
Drama Kids International wants to help make sure your family doesn’t become the next host of seasonal colds and flu, so here are some tips that will help protect your child from germs while at school and participating in various after-school activities.
Did you know that according to a study by the Public Health and Safety Organization, a school basketball could have a germ count reading of over 13,900? A water fountain was found to have a germ count of 2,335. Germs are everywhere, but these 10 tips can help your child stay healthy.
Wash Those Hands
Make sure your kids are washing their hands in warm water, lathering up the soap, and then getting their palms, backs of hands, and fingers soaped up for the amount of time it would take to sing “Happy Birthday” twice, before rinsing their hands and using a paper towel to dry them.
Sharing Is Not Caring When It Comes To Germs
Make sure your kids know to not share anything that may go into their mouth with their classmates like waterbottles, eating utensils, and even pens and pencils.
Guard The Eyes, Nose, And Mouth
It’s easy to touch something that has been handled by another sick student. Because of this, it’s important your kids learn to limit the touching of their eyes, mouth and nose. Doing so could help them avoid illnesses like colds or pink eye.
Embrace Healthy After-School Snacks
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in your kids’ overall health and well-being, and providing them with healthy after-school snacks is a great way to give them an extra boost. Look for ideas that incorporate fruits and veggies and don’t let a busy schedule get in the way good nutrition.
Know When To Stay At Home
You don’t want your kids coming down with anything, but it can happen. If they are ill, it’s always courteous to other children and parents to keep them at home. Here are some symptoms that can merit a sick day:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A fever above 100 degrees within the past 24 hours
- An unexplained rash
- Severe cough
A healthy child is a happy child, and with the help of these tips, your child may be able to fend off the typical back-to-school and seasonal illnesses that are always so common. Your friends at Drama Kids International hope that the school year has gotten off to a smooth start and that all are happy and healthy in your home!