How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Winter
We all know that winter is a time when our children can get poorly. Bugs and germs can quickly spread, and our little loved ones can end up with a sniffle or two over the holiday season. Walking more often as a family can make a difference to everyone’s physical and mental health too. Some apps even pay you to walk! Here are some top tips to keep your family healthy over the winter season.
Brush Your Teeth
According to dentists, Childhood dental tooth decay is four times more common than childhood obesity. The holidays can involve a lot of sweet sugary treats that we love to indulge in. Try to eat healthily, but if you are occasionally giving your children sugar, then you need to make sure they have a good oral hygiene routine. Find a good toothbrush for them.
The majority of children learn their oral hygiene routine from their parents. By brushing your teeth regularly as well as flossing and any other recommendations your dentist may give, you are setting a good example that is likely to be mimicked by your younger family members.
Take Exercise
On the colder days, we can all feel a little less motivated to go outside and exercise. However, children need exercise. Currently, children between the ages of 6-17 are recommended to exercise for one hour a day. Exercise can be playing a sport, but it can also be taking a long walk. Think of activities that will motivate your children.
If it is a particularly bad day, then pushing the furniture aside and having a dance with your child can be entertaining and help them get that heart rate up. Again, try to practice what you preach. Showing a child exercise is important, even during the winter, will encourage them to not become couch potatoes.
Keep Warm
According to one paediatrician writing for the Waldorf Library, warmth is one of the most important things we can give to our children. You might feel like you are constantly nagging but encouraging your children to wear their hats, scarves, and jackets are crucial when it is cold outside. Because children are smaller, they lose heat more quickly than adults.
Getting too cold can be very dangerous as conditions like hypothermia can be life-threatening. Make sure and buy some spares so that when your kid inevitably loses an item you don’t need to worry about them in the chilly outdoors, and they can continue to play.
Don’t be afraid to boost the temperatures inside your home as well. Extra blankets lying around for when they cuddle up on the sofa is good too for helping them feel warm and cosy.
Finally, remember that even with the best precautions, people can still get ill. If your child does get a cold or another ailment, give them comfort and sympathy. Try to treat any mild conditions but if you are in any way concerned about their health, always contact a medical professional who can advise on the best treatments according to the diagnosis.
How to have a healthy winter this year
If you are planning how to feel good this winter then you need to add a healthy diet to that. Whether you follow a weight loss plan or just eat a little healthier it should be easy to plan a healthier winter. A few simple swaps like grilled chicken instead of fried chicken could make all the difference.
Soup is always a popular winter meal but not always filling. Pasta soups can help and become a staple on your winter meal plan alongside the classic beef stew.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on nutrients too with things like cranberry juice drinks and ensuring any recipes you make have plenty of vegetables.
