What can you do to protect your children from the endless array of germs and viruses they’ve exposed to every day? Unfortunately, getting sick when you’re a kid is simply part of the job description. Slowly, children build up their immunity by battling an ongoing series of germs, viruses, and other organisms—which is why many pediatricians consider six to eight colds, bouts of flu, or ear infections per year normal. But there are healthy habits that will give your child’s immune system a boost.

SERVE MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

• Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries all contain carotenoids, an immunity-boosting chemical; these chemicals increase production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an antibody that coats white blood cells, blocking out viruses
• Health experts recommend that children eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day

BOOST SLEEP TIME  

• Lack of proper sleep can make children more susceptible to illness by weakening their immune system; an infant may need up to 16 hours of crib time a day; toddlers require 11 to 14 hours; preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours
• If your child can’t or won’t take naps during the day start putting her to be earlier

EXERCISE AS A FAMILY

• Exercise boosts the number of natural killer cells – and the immune system – in children
• Set a good example by exercising with your children with fun activities like biking, hiking, basketball and tennis

GUARD AGAINST GERM SPREAD

• Make sure your kids wash their hands often with soap and pay attention to their hygiene particularly before and after mealtime and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, and using the bathroom
• If your child gets sick, throw out her toothbrush right away  

BANISH SECONDHAND SMOKE

• Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals, many of which can irritate or kill cells in the body and kids are more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects, secondhand smoke increases a child’s risk of SIDS, bronchitis, ear infections, and asthma
• If you can’t quit smoking, go outside to smoke to reduce your child’s health risks

DON’T PRESSURE YOUR PEDIATRICIAN  

Avoid the temptation to ask your pediatrician for an antibiotic every time your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat as antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, but the majority of childhood illnesses are causes by viruses.

When your child’s pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic, ask the question: “Do you think it’s really necessary?”  

Source: Parents