How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Sick?

11 May How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Sick?

As a parent, keeping your child healthy and protected is undoubtedly a top priority. Making smart decisions can help to prevent sickness and avoid the need for any extra trips to the doctor’s office. While you want to prevent your child from getting sick entirely, the team at Pediatric Associates of Planview is committed to being the medical resource your family needs should any issues arise. To learn about the most effective ways to keep your child healthy, please continue reading this article.

Wash Hands Regularly

You’ve most likely heard recently how important hand washing is when it comes to staying clean and healthy. Nearly 80% of illnesses are spread by touch. If your child has germs on their hands, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they could easily become sick. Having your child regularly wash their hands with warm water and antibacterial soap for 20 seconds will help eliminate any germs that are living on their hands, mitigating the chance of them becoming sick.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Few people realize how many things they touch each day and how many germs can be living on those surfaces. Although you can’t possibly sanitize every single thing your child touches, you can do your best to control the germ levels on the surfaces within your home. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, tv remotes, and even their toys can help limit exposure to germs.     

Don’t Swap During Meals

Family mealtime can be very hectic in many households. Kids may want to constantly swap silverware, cups, and even the food on their plates. This routine can be a germ’s best friend. If one member of the family is unknowingly sick, they can infect the entire table this way. Explain to your children that when it comes time to eat, swapping is unsanitary.

Establish Healthy Habits

Boosting your child’s immune system is a great way to help keep them healthy. Doing so will help their body be better prepared to fight off any illnesses of which they may have been exposed. Increasing the effectiveness of the immune system can be done through some of the following methods:

• Feeding them a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables.
• Making sure they stay active and are getting enough exercise.
• Enforcing a set bedtime that allows for ample sleep.

Schedule An Appointment  

Germs can be stealthy. Even after utilizing copious amounts of prevention methods, your child may still get sick. When this happens, our staff at Pediatric Associates of Plainview will be there to help. If you suspect your child is getting sick, contact us today to schedule an appointment.  We’ll help diagnose the issue and prepare a plan for treatment and recovery!