Let’s face it, getting sick is inevitable. As humans, we are the perfect host for a variety of microbes, and as social creatures, we are bound to pass them from one person to another. Add to that the expectation to go, go, go, and the delayed onset of symptoms for many diseases, and you’ve got yourself the perfect storm for an outbreak. 2020 has served as an eye-opener for many people who weren’t well versed in disease transmission and the importance of taking illness seriously. As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, we are once again entering flu season as well. So, we thought it would be a good idea to take a moment to discuss how to keep your children healthy this autumn.
Be a Shining Example
Children learn best by following examples of those they see around them. To help reduce the likelihood of your child getting sick, be a good health role model! Begin with the basics like washing your hands frequently, and requiring your child to do so as well – before and after meals, after using the bathroom, when they are visibly soiled, and after touching shared surfaces. Always cough and sneeze into your elbow and stay home when you aren’t feeling well. When you set the example, it isn’t just your children who will pick up on your good habits, but other children and adults around you will likely follow suit. If you’ve ever heard the term herd immunity, it refers to the majority of people in your circle being healthy enough to keep those who are at risk protected. Behind your own nuclear family, be the shining example of health for your entire herd!
Clean Regularly and Clean Again!
Germs and germ exposure is great for building healthy immune systems. However, recklessly exposing ourselves and our children to unnecessary microbes can be incredibly harmful. To reduce the number of germs we come in contact with, clean, clean, and clean again. We’ve already mentioned hand washing, which is a great start. You should also regularly wash commonly touched surfaces including your smartphone, door handles, and countertops. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product container to ensure you are completely sanitizing the area. Wash your children’s toys, shoes, and car seat regularly, along with frequent laundering of clothing and bedding and several baths a week. Cleaning ensures that microbes you’ve collected are washed away and don’t multiply. It also reduces the chances that you could pick something up and get sick or pass it along to a family member.
Stay Home When You’re Sick
Somehow over the last decade or so, it has become a symbol of strength and loyalty to push through feeling ill or being in pain to work. Those who take the day off to nurse their fever from the safety of their home are chastised for being lazy or making things up, while those who work through an illness or injury are valued as having a strong work ethic. We could not disagree more. Staying home when you are sick shows loyalty and respect for those around you by choosing to keep your disease or infection to yourself. If you can work from home, we recommend that option, and, when you can’t, just take the day off to protect those around you.
Other Things You Can Do
Other things you can do to protect your children from getting sick include:
- Get immunized
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid contact with those who are sick
- Prevent children from putting community toys in their mouth
- Get regular checkups
- Finish prescribed medications
Choose a Daycare That Cares
At Darlene’s Wee Care 4 Kids, we know that quality child care is important to maintaining your work schedule to provide for your family. More than keeping your children entertained while you are away, we are committed to keeping the minds and body healthy and nourished. Our staff is dedicated to keeping a clean facility while monitoring our kids for any sign of a contagious disease. We have recently installed thermal scanners to check the temperatures of everyone entering the building and have limited those allowed inside to the children we are watching. For more information about our safety procedures or to get your child enrolled, connect with us online today.
