06/12/2022

Keep your kids healthy in the cold winter months

Kids will always get coughs and colds, it’s an inevitable part of the yearly back to school cycle. It’s thought that an average child will have 8 (or more) colds in a single year.

As parents and guardians who hate to see our children feeling under the weather, we can help to try and keep our kids healthy and best prepare them for those flu-filled autumn and winter months.

With recent concerns arising around illnesses, we've got some great tips to  boost kid's health this winter

Understanding immunity in children

Colds are caused by viruses and, to a degree, we all have certain immunities to them. The problem that children are facing is that their immune systems are slightly weaker than we might expect due to the impact of COVID lockdowns over the past couple of years and a relative lack of exposure. We have opportunities to help boost our children's immune systems and help them fight off those coughs and illnesses that they generally would be able to fight off naturally.

Eating well to feel well

A large part of our contribution to the health of our children is to ensure they eat a balanced diet. For children in that 7-10 age bracket the NHS has a few recommendations for foods that should be included.

• 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
• Starchy foods like potato, pasta, rice and bread should be staples of meals – choosing whole grain varieties where possible.
• Lower-fat milk and dairy products (or lactose-free alternatives) should be included.
• Proteins like meat, beans, fish, eggs or lentils are important for balance.

Staying active

Activity can boost immunity not only in children but also in adults. There are correlations between exercise and an improved immune system. To be able to achieve this, some types of exercise are better than others.

To build immunity, longer (and regular) periods of moderate exercise are preferred to short bursts of intense activity. For children, this can mean that active play is a great way to help them fight off those seasonal coughs and sniffles. Barracudas activities offers children between 4¹/² and 14 the opportunity to get moving with fun and social interaction.

Not only is it beneficial in itself, it can contribute to improved sleeping patterns.

Sleeping off sickness

There is evidence to suggest that a good sleeping routine can dramatically impact the health of a child. Not only physical health but also mental health.

At Barracudas, we believe that both of these are extremely important to the happiness and health of a child.

Stay clean

Coughs and colds can spread really quickly, particularly amongst children who play together and often don’t keep their hands to themselves.

Making sure your child is washing their hands after coughs and sneezes is a really important way to not only protect your own child but also keep those around them from catching winter illnesses.

If you suspect an illness, it's also wise to not share cups, cutlery, food or drinks to help keep a cold contained and prevent it from spreading.

With the approaching autumn and winter seasons, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of what is an exciting season of activity for many kids, and it’s even better if they can stay cold-free to enjoy them!