Back to school time is undoubtedly hectic. There are a million and one things to think of, from the school uniform to books, shoes - and all that's before you've made sure your child is feeling like the best version of themselves. Because let's face it, there's every chance they could pick up a bug or two on the school grounds; coughs, colds and the rest are part and parcel when they are constantly around so many different people, a new setting and the change in weather.
The good news is you can avoid becoming a regular to your GP in the coming months by taking a few simple steps to help your little one stay healthy and feeling well, thanks to Rebecca Barry, Supervising Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy Castletroy and busy mum-of-three.
Encourage healthy habits even more
Does your child know the important healthy habits to prevent colds, flu, and other infections? Healthy habits such as remembering not to keep touching their eyes, making sure they cough into their elbow and not their hands or refraining from sharing cups and utensils with friends are important. Barry says that washing their hands regularly is important to encourage before the school year starts so they'll be well prepared when they are in the school-going routine. "Use soap and water for 20 seconds (or sing Happy Birthday twice) to really get them washed - and you don't have to use anti-bacterial soap, either," she advises.
Keep their schoolbags stocked up with essentials
You never know what they might need so be sure to keep their schoolbags stocked with some helpful, germ-beating essentials: tissues, antiseptic hand wash and water wipes are all things you can buy easily (and in miniature sizes too) that will help to keep daily bugs at bay. A place that has these - and more - under one roof, is LloydsPharmacy - it has all the back to school essentials you'll need. "Always have a hand sanitiser for times when water and soap are not available," adds Barry. At least it'll help keep germs at bay and it might even encourage their classmates to do the same, so keeping healthy will truly be a team effort.
Vitamins and supplements will also help
Back to school is the perfect time to emphasise healthy habits, such as healthy snacks, healthy meals, and taking vitamins and supplements. There's a wide range of options from LloydsPharmacy that will help boost your little one's immune system and thus fight off infections and potential illnesses. Barry says that probiotics are good for children who are constantly sick and tend to pick up bugs as they help to build up the body's good bacteria. Vitamins are also another option. "Multivitamins are good at supplementing a diet and ensuring kids get their RDA of vitamins and minerals," she continued. "Some multivitamins also contain Lysine which can help boost appetite - good for children who are not great eaters." If they are eating healthily, sleeping well and getting a boost from a vitamin or two, they'll be fighting fit for the school year.
Plan a pre-school 'check-up'
It's worth having a sit down with your child before the school year is about to start, not only to talk about and ease any anxiety or nerves they may be feeling (this is totally normal as any child can feel it's a daunting process to return to school after the long summer break), but also to see if all is well in terms of any physical symptoms they may be exhibiting. If anything doesn't feel right to them, it's also worth paying a visit to a professional, a Lloyds pharmacist will be on hand in any of their stores to answer questions or queries you might have.
Boost your family's immune system
Keeping your child's immune system strong is an important way to stay healthy and ward off illness during the school year. Getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, exercising, and emphasising hand washing can help reduce your child's risk of getting colds, flu, and other infections. Talk to them more about exercising, it's important for children keeping well, adds Barry. "They should be getting at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, with three sessions involving muscle strengthening." And as well as being active, rest time is hugely important for a child's development. Barry offers some pointers. "Make sure the room is susceptible to sleep: no phones, TVs etc," she said, encouraging parents to lead by example. "Primary school children should be getting 10 - 11 hours of sleep a night and secondary school students should be getting 8 - 9 hours."
