The winter season is almost here in Oak Lawn, but that also means the cold and flu are coming with it. Germs, infections, and more can easily overtake the winter. Some kids are more prone to illness than others. To keep your child from getting sick this winter, you can practice these healthy habits with them, recommended by pediatric doctors!
If your child catches a cold or flu this winter season, you may need to visit a pediatrician. Contact Minis Walk-in Pediatrics online or call (708) 424-0909 today.
Dress Little Ones With Plenty of Warm Clothes
Pediatricians say one of the simplest things you can do to prevent your little ones from getting sick in the winter is to ensure they are appropriately dressed for the cold weather. You can have your child wear several thin layers. That way, when they are indoors, they can take jackets and sweaters off if they get too hot! Dressing in enough clothing for the winter will ensure your child’s immune system is working as needed to prevent illness and trips to your pediatric doctor.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Getting your child into the habit (if they have not already) of covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze is important. Pediatric doctors recommend covering coughs or sneezes with the inside of their arms, not their hands. This helps to prevent the spread of highly contagious illnesses during the winter months. Germs can spread too easily if we do not take enough preventative action!
Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables
Parents should always provide their children with fruits and vegetables as they encourage healthy living. But these foods are extra helpful when it comes to boosting the immune system. Some of the best fruits and veggies to feed your children include:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Citrus fruits (oranges)
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Pears
- Blueberries
These fruits and veggies are high in vitamin C, encouraging a strong and healthy immune system, and are highly recommended by pediatricians.
Limit Sugar Intake
While it never hurts to have some sugar here and there, you should moderate and keep your child’s sugar intake to a minimum. This is because sugar can wreak havoc on our bodies in many ways:
- Depresses the immune system
- And can cause systemic inflammation
Children who have diets high in sugar are more likely to contract a cold or experience flu-like symptoms. Pediatricians recommend allowing your child no more than one small sugary treat a day.
Drink Enough Water
You have heard it several times before, and it will be emphasized repeatedly. Drinking enough water is vital to keeping the immune system strong enough to fight off germs. Water is the best and most natural way to wash toxins out of the body. As a result, your child will be less likely to get sick during the winter and any time of the year, according to pediatric doctors.
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Alongside water, getting enough rest and sleep is another simple and natural way of boosting the immune system. Getting enough sleep is essential to every aspect of our health. It is only natural that sleep is one of the many healthy habits that helps the immune system operate as it should.
With more germs floating around during the winter, your child may need extra sleep and rest at night to allow their immune systems to recuperate fully.
Take Your Children to a Pediatrician
If your child comes down with a stubborn cold or flu, it is important that you get them seen by a pediatrician right away. Most winter illnesses clear up on their own, but they can turn into serious medical concerns if they are not treated as needed. You should visit a pediatrician if your child is experiencing the following symptoms:
- Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Sore throat with a fever
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
Stay On Top Of Your Little One’s Health With Our Pediatric Team
You can come to visit our team at our Oak Lawn clinic to get your child in the best shape possible for the winter. Contact us online or call (708) 424-0909 to get more information and visit one of our pediatricians at Minis Walk-in Pediatrics today.