Now that your kids are back in school, it’s also back to stuffy noses, sore throats, and common colds. This is the best time of year to give your kids the usual friendly reminders that help keep everyone healthy, happy and active in school. US Family Health Plan (USFHP) has a list of the top 5 reminders to share with your kids as everyone gets back into full swing this fall.
- Reminder # 1 – Wash your hands often, especially before lunch.Germs can spread from kid to kid faster than you can blink an eye. It’s important to keep germs at bay and keep colds and viruses in check. Something as simple as soap and water can do wonders. So remind your kids that the more they wash, the healthier everyone will be.
- Reminder # 2 – Cover your nose if you sneeze. By covering your nose if you sneeze, your child
can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses to other kids and teachers. This is a good practice for all members of the family and shows good manners too.
- Reminder # 3 – If your cough, cough into a tissue. And always carry tissue! Tell your kids how important it is to cough into a tissue. No need to have all those germs spray into the air exposing everyone in sight. Using tissue can prevent the spread of germs. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your arm. Not the best approach, but it serves the same purpose. Don’t spray it, contain it.
- Reminder #4 – Eat healthy! Lunch is a big part of the day in school at any grade level. Teach your kids to try to avoid greasy, fried meals and junk food snacks. Teach them to choose healthier options that include vegetables, fruit, grilled chicken, sandwiches on whole grain bread, or salad. If your schools don’t offer these options, you may want to pack lunch for your kids to encourage good eating habits. Healthy snacks are important too. Encourage you kids to eat healthy snacks that include whole grain crackers, pita chips, string cheese, Greek yogurt, or granola. Making good food choices is linked to your child’s overall health.
- Reminder #5: Encourage your kids to play outside. It is critical for children to stay active. Obesity is a growing problem among adolescents and can lead to developing other dangerous health
conditions. Take advantage of the good weather to allow them to play games and run around with siblings, neighbors, or friends. It’s a positive and healthy behavior to encourage. Besides, sometimes they just need a little break from the textbooks.
US Family Health Plan, a TRICARE PRIME plan, covers families with such ailments as the common cold to more severe cond itions and emergency treatment. The USFHP focus is on the family. As a healthcare provider, USFHP encourages these generally healthy daily practices to promote family wellness. Remember, a healthy family is a happy family.