This past winter season over here was brutal. If y’all can remember it was like as soon as one stopped coughing, the other started, and I’m sure that cycle repeated itself at least 3 times and then I started coughing..and yeah.
We get through winter season and forget to continue using those same tips to keep Spring and Summer colds away, and if you’ve ever had a cold in the summer…MERCY.
1.) REST: Summer comes and it is normal to throw caution to the wind when it comes to maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Children need rest to regulate their immune system and with all day running at camp and various activities it is very easy for exhaustion to set in. Maintaining a fairly consistent sleep and nap regimen may help.
2.) HYDRATE: Not only does staying hydrated keep us cool in the summer but it helps keep us healthy. I don’t need to tell you that sodas, and sugary drinks are really of no help in this area. H2O is the way to go.
3.) WASH.YOUR.HANDS: This is even more important now. Days spent outside making mud pies, picking up creepy crawlies etc. are on the horizon. Bacteria and germs run rampant at camps, pools etc. Stress the importance of hand washing at all times.
4.) HEALTHY DIET: I’m not sure about you but I find my children will easily eat more fruit in the summer. Cold fruit salads and watermelon disappear around here. Use this opportunity to make sure you are giving them lots of cold sweet fruits. The vitamins in summer fruits are excellent in helping the immune system fight off bad germs.
5.) KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AT HOME: If your child does get sick offer other parents the courtesy of keeping your child at home until they are better. I know this isn’t always easy, however I feel it is a respect thing to make sure you are aware of the health of your own child before sending them to camp to potentially make other children sick. We all have a duty as parents and offering this courtesy may help keep children well over the summer season.
There are times where we can follow all precautionary measures and we still end up with a sick child. I am not a parent that believes in medicating until I feel it is absolutely necessary. In those instances I look for medicines that are geared toward children. I was supplied a sample of Children’s Mucinex. I have not had the opportunity to use the medication, however it is in the cabinet and I am not against using it if I feel it necessary.
I try to keep medication available in case, cause no one likes those middle of the night runs to Walgreens. If you are like me and have a just in case arsenal, check out Children’s Mucinex and make an educated decision on whether you feel this is a product that is right for your child/family.