Judy Gyde
One winter, before the vaccine was available, I had a major outbreak of chicken pox at our house. Christine started with a few spots. Two weeks later, David erupted with a few more. And shortly thereafter, Beth was covered from head to toe. I found out what "cabin fever" is all about. It seemed like an epidemic because many other children in our school and neighborhood were having the same problem. Hooray for the vaccine that is now available!
Thankfully, chicken pox isn't as prevalent since the vaccine. But wintertime tends to bring other unpleasant surprises. Doesn't it seem that sickness increases in the winter? But, it doesn't have to be that way for your family. Here are some practical ways to help your family have a happy, healthy, and safer one:
Provide Nutritious Meals
A well-balanced diet, using a variety of delicious foods, will enhance your family's health. Cooking can be especially challenging for those whose teenagers are constantly on the run. Having meals available that can be easily warmed with a quick zip in the microwave will help your kids eat better.
Get Their Zzzzs
Many children don't get enough sleep which makes them more susceptible to illness. Most school-aged children need about nine hours. If they have difficulty getting up in the morning and feel tired all day, they may need to go to bed earlier. A consistent bedtime helps. Keep their bedroom temperature comfortable. Set guidelines to encourage them to turn the computer and TV off at a reasonable hour.
Avoid Sick People Whenever Possible
Large crowds breed contagious illnesses. Many people who have sore throats, coughs, and flu don't stay home when they are ill. They go to crowded theaters, shopping malls, and grocery stores when they should be resting at home. Your family can decrease their exposure by going to those places during less-crowded times.
Many children go to school sick. Unfortunately it is hard for your kids to avoid exposure to contagious illnesses. Teach your children to discreetly avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible. Telephones, keyboards, and shared objects are prime sources of spreading germs.
Wash Hands Frequently
Hand washing is a great practice that promotes good health. Encourage your children to wash their hands before they eat, after being in public places, schools, and restrooms. Your family can decrease their chance of getting sick by keeping their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth. These are the primary entry gates for bacteria to enter their bodies. Grocery carts, hand railings, and other objects that people touch, increase their risk for infections. While they can't shy away from these things completely, they can wash their hands whenever necessary.
It's impossible to avoid contact with germs because they are everywhere. It's not necessary to turn your kids into germ-o-phobics, but learning good health practices from an early age, will yield great results throughout their lives.
Vitamins, Medications, and Vaccines
A good multivitamin will help maintain your children's health. Your doctor may suggest that your children receive a flu shot in addition to the standard immunizations. Make sure your children are up to date with their immunizations to avoid other serious health problems.
Encourage Water Intake
Encourage your children to drink water. Keeping a bottle of water on their desk is helpful. Children who keep a water bottle handy are more likely to drink more water which promotes good health. Besides the benefits of staying well-hydrated, water helps control appetites, helping them maintain a healthy weight. They will also be less likely to drink too many sweetened beverages.
In dry climates, humidifiers can replace much of the moisture in your home, which the winter has depleted. Clean your humidifier regularly and change the filter annually to keep the quality of your air healthier. Proper humidity is good for skin, hair, and the respiratory systems. Humidity in the air also makes the room feel warmer.
Promote Activity
In colder climates, older children tend to hibernate when the thermometer plunges. A little exercise works off excess energy. Exercise is also a great way to control weight and decrease stress. Many children enjoy the outdoors during the winter. But if they get chilled, they become more susceptible to illness. Make sure your children aren't getting too cold, wet, or exposed to frostbite. Unless you are having extreme weather conditions, it is probably safe for your children to spend a short time outdoors each day. Check the temperature and wind-chill factor; then, encourage them to dress accordingly.
Remember your Fire Safety Tips
House fires are more likely to occur in the winter. Avoid using small, portable space heaters. They have been responsible for many fires in smaller rooms especially when they came in contact with blankets or other flammable substances. Family pets have been known to knock heaters over or get tangled in the electrical cord, causing fires.
Burning candles can be hazardous if left unattended. Teach your children not to play with matches and what to do in the event of a fire. Mount a fire extinguisher in a convenient place and show your family how to use it. Be sure you have a fire escape plan.
Have your furnace checked to make sure it is functioning properly to avoid gas leaks and carbon monoxide production. Having the ducts cleaned by a professional will reduce the dust in the air, helping your family members who suffer from allergies.
Every home needs smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector. Test your smoke alarm and replace the batteries each year. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas which can be caused by any fuel-burning appliance including: gas water heater, gas stove, gas dryer, fuel-fired furnaces, and gas fireplaces.
Have Fun Together
Take time to enjoy your family and to have fun. Laugh at the funny things that happen in life. Go on little adventures together. As your family takes extra precautions to safeguard their health, they will have a healthy and happier winter. Remember the ancient proverb that says, "A joyful heart is good medicine."
Judy Gyde worked as a nurse in physicians' offices for most of her career. As a mother of three and grandmother of four, JudyÊwrites aboutÊher experiences at work and home.ÊShe has beenÊpublished in severalÊmagazines and is working onÊher first book. Judy and her husband, Bruce, live in Toledo, Ohio.
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