Kickstarting the New Academic Year: Enhancing Your Child's Immunity in Advance
Preparing for the School Year: A Guide to Boosting Your Child's Immunity
As the summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, parents are gearing up to send their children back to school. With the ongoing concerns about measles and pertussis outbreaks, as well as the upcoming flu and COVID-19 seasons, it's more important than ever to ensure that children are well-equipped to fend off potential illnesses.
Dr. Anne VanGarsse, Pediatrics Medical Director at Valley Children's Hospital, emphasizes the importance of being up to date with vaccines. Courtney Lucio, a local parent, is taking this advice to heart, ensuring that her kids are up to date with their vaccinations before they return to school. The Fresno Unified School District, where students will return on August 18, has also observed the significance of vaccinations in maintaining a healthy school environment.
Health experts note that it's common for kids to get sick within the first few weeks of school, especially for students in the younger grades. To combat this, teachers encourage good hand hygiene in the classroom. Michelle Parker, Interim Executive Director of Health Services at Fresno Unified, attributes this trend to children being exposed to germs they haven't encountered before. She also emphasizes the importance of hand sanitation due to frequent playground use.
In the first few weeks of school, Parker expects to see cases of the common cold. She also anticipates COVID-19 cases. To help protect your child from these illnesses, doctors recommend checking children's vaccination records and discussing any required immunizations with their physician.
School nurses provide education on health and resources to students and families. Dr. Mitu Patel with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno advises getting kids back to a normal sleep schedule and emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for children. Adequate sleep and a balanced diet can help support a child's immune system.
To build immunity for children before school starts, focus on ensuring vaccinations are up to date, promoting proper hand hygiene, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and supporting balanced nutrition. Provide balanced meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A wholesome breakfast fuels memory and focus. Limit sugary snacks and processed foods as they can weaken immunity. Encourage daily physical activity to boost immunity and manage allergies by informing schools and having emergency medications ready if applicable.
Together, these steps create a strong foundation for your child’s immune health ahead of the school year. By taking these precautions, parents can help ensure that their children stay healthy and happy during the school year.
To further enhance your child's immune system before the school year, consider integrating science-backed health-and-wellness practices like a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Ensure regular physical activity to boost immunity and manage allergies. Additionally, staying informed about vaccine schedules and keeping vaccinations up to date can help protect your child from preventable diseases.
