It’s no secret how the Coronavirus pandemic has caused a global panic for people of all ages. And if you have kids in the family, it’s only natural for you to worry. As parents, you probably find yourself almost glued to the TV to get real-time news updates. You could be panicking and rummaging through the internet looking for hacks and ways to make sure your family stays safe and healthy.
With or without the Coronavirus pandemic, the health and safety of our family and kids is paramount and should be our top priority. Reduce your family’s risk of getting sick by adopting the following healthy habits!
Follow proper handwashing
Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to stay away from many types of sickness and disease. However, just the simple washing of hands is not enough.
One of our common mistakes is to simply wash our hands but not wash long enough to get rid of all the germs. Proper hand washing means doing it for at least 20 seconds.
There is no better time to teach your little one to get into the habit and how to do it the right way. It may be a very simple step but it goes a long way.
Avoid touching faces with hands
Another reason why people contract viruses and sickness fast is because they unconsciously touch their faces with their hands. Let’s admit it, we’re all guilty of that. We touch our eyes, nose and mouth without really thinking.
When we do this, we may not be aware that viruses and other microbes on our hands are being wiped onto our faces and offered an easy route into our bodies.
So while you make an effort to remind your child to keep their hands off their faces, you also have to make a conscious effort in practicing this healthy habit as well. After all, you should lead by example.
Stay physically active
Part of staying healthy is staying physically active. Exercise and other forms of physical activity are vital to maintaining a strong and healthy body.
When we are physically active, we’re reducing the risk of getting the flu and cold. It also increases the production of happy hormones.
So if you’re looking for ways to bond as a family, you might want to look for the kind of activities that will engage everyone in moving around more.
Keep the house clean
Your home can be a home for germs if you don’t do regular cleaning.
Clean and disinfect the surfaces that you normally touch such as the door handles, light switches, remote controls, the telephone, etc. Also disinfect the germiest spots like the kitchen sink, faucet handles, bathroom and toilet seat. Use disinfectant wipes on your appliances, especially the ones you frequently use.
Eat healthy
To strengthen your own and your family’s immune system, always eat a balanced diet. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your daily meals to make sure everyone’s getting the nutrients needed to stay healthy and strong.
Teach your child to get into the habit of eating vegetables early on by setting a good example. If you’re challenged with feeding a picky eater, try to think outside the box and look for creative ways to make eating healthy more appealing.
Also, do not easily give in to your children’s demands to binge on sweets and unhealthy food choices. These occasional treats are nice but too much of them can be detrimental.
Get plenty of sleep
Adequate sleep is important for both children and adults alike.
Establish a bedtime routine for the family and be sure to stick to it. Set a specific time each night when everybody should be in bed. No one should be left watching TV late at night or doing other unnecessary stuff.
This will help ensure you all get the hours you need for a good quality slumber. Sleep deprivation will not only affect your focus and concentration. It also increases your risk for getting sick.
Contracting viruses may seem inevitable but you can reduce the risk of getting sick if you take precautionary measures and adopt healthy habits.
For more helpful parenting tips or if you’re looking for the best preschool for your child, please visit Cornerstone Learning Center.