Kids Are Back to School, and So Are Germs: 5 Ways to Keep Your Health Optimal in Florida
Summer is officially coming to a close and soon, children will be filling up school hallways and classrooms again.
Many kids and parents are excited to return to their normal school routines. Kids will reunite with their friends, meet new people, and learn more about the world while parents can stop worrying about what their kids do at home all day while school is out.
As we prepare new school supplies and new clothes for the new school year, there is one other thing we must not forget: our children’s health.
When it’s time to flock to classrooms again, our children meet not only old and new friends but also the uninvited guests known as germs. Germs are tricky to deal with because you can’t really see them, making them much more dangerous for unsuspecting schoolchildren.
How Are Allergies in the Sunshine State?
The Sunshine State is loved by many for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. It’s a popular spot for summer vacations and many even decide to move here to escape the cold winters of other regions.
However, this is not the case for many allergy sufferers who find themselves with exacerbated season allergy symptoms in Florida’s warm embrace.
Florida has a warm and humid climate which allows for a longer growing season. Pollen-producing trees, grasses, and weeds thrive in the state’s warmth and humidity, making allergy season in Florida tough for sufferers. This means allergy season in Florida lasts for most of the year with only a small break from December to February.
Common allergens in the Florida region include:
- Tree pollen (oak, aspen, ash, river birch, cedar, cypress)
- Grasses and weeds (ragweed, timothy, bermuda, perennial rye, sweet vernal, orchard)
- Mold
Florida already experiences warm climates, which severely affects season allergies and those who suffer from them. Unfortunately, the ongoing climate change causes warmer temperatures which extends the growing seasons. An extended growing season means more pollen production throughout the year. More pollen equals exacerbated seasonal allergy symptoms.
Dealing with allergy symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, headaches, and fatigue is already difficult for adults. What more for young children in school?
Here are 5 Ways to Keep Children Healthy For School
Aside from new school supplies and clothes, parents need to get their kids’ health on the right track as school once again kicks in. Here are 5 ways to get your kids healthy and ready for school, away from those pesky germs:
1. Teach kids frequent handwashing
One very effective yet simple way to fight off germs and viruses as the new school year starts is through frequent handwashing. As kids go back to school, teach them to always wash their hands.
While at school (and at home), children should wash their hands before and after eating, after recess, after playing, after using the bathroom, and after using or playing with shared items.
Additionally, teach them the proper way of handwashing: scrub all fingers and underneath the nails. It should last for at least 20 seconds. Make it fun by making them sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice from start to end.
2. Make sure vaccines are up to date
Your child’s number-one defense against illness-causing germs and viruses is vaccines. Before the new school year starts, visit your family physician and make sure your child has their vaccines up to date. COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines could be your basics.
If you are especially concerned about seasonal allergies in Florida, consider allergy testing. The results will give you more insights into what allergies your child has, giving you information on medications and precautions to keep them healthy as school starts.
3. Boost immunity and strengthen defense
On top of vaccines and medications, you can strengthen your child’s immune system to strengthen their defense against germs, viruses, and even allergies.
Always include proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables in your child’s daily diet. Encourage them to stay hydrated by drinking tons of water as well.
Additionally, ensure they are getting enough sleep: 10 to 13 hours for 3 to 5-year-olds, 9 to 12 hours for 6 to 12-year-olds, and 8 to 10 hours for 13 to 18-year-olds.
4. Check pollen counts and wear protective gear
If your child or anyone in the family is allergic to pollen, make it a habit to check pollen counts on the local news. If it is considerably high, have your child wear protective gear (like a mask). Taking allergy medication (if any) might also be helpful to prevent severe reactions to allergens.
Additionally, if there is no school and your child doesn’t need to be going out, stay indoors when the pollen count is high.
5.Wash everything after getting home
Lastly, get your kid in the bath and the clothes they wore outside in the wash immediately after they get home. This will keep germs, viruses, bacteria, dust, pollen, and allergens they picked up outdoors from spreading further in your home.
Conclusion: Keep the Sunshine In Your Kid’s Health
The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for kids and parents. But as children swarm the hallways and classrooms of schools, so do pesky little germs and viruses. Add to this the allergy seasons made worse by Florida’s warmth and sunshine.
Keeping your kids safe and in optimal health is a priority for many parents. This will not only put your mind at ease but will help kids learn better.