Healthy Kids During Flu Season

School has started, you are running kids to fall sports and music class. Who isn't stressed out in the fall with so much going on? You've probably seen advertisements everywhere to get your flu shot and automatic hand sanitizer dispensers, but there is a lot you can do instead to prevent illness or help manage symptoms for you and your family.

First, hand washing is one of the most important. The Center for Disease Control recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds. They recommend humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice to get the correct length of time, which can help make hand washing more of a fun activity for kids. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. If you have to use hand sanitizers, use the Environmental Working Group's database to help find the sanitizers that are less hazardous.

Next, help prevent illness by eating nutritious foods. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C and E and dark leafy greens contain folic acid. Nuts and grains can help up you levels of the trace mineral levels of zinc, selenium, and copper. These nutrients have been found to impact the immune function of animals in studies according to Harvard Health. Most people are aware for D3's benefits with bone health, but it can also help with immune function. Cold and flu season begins just as our days begin to shorten in the United States. Since our bodies can synthesize D3 from the sun, shortened days in the fall as well as the Earth being farther from the sun, mean less exposure to UV B, means lower levels of D3. D3 supplementation has been shown to help protect against illness such as colds and flus, but also even helps prevent cancers. Bone broth may also help give your body nutrients to help combat illness. Elderberry syrup may have antiviral and antiinfluenza properties.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center elderberry syrup may help relieve cold and flu symptoms as well as congestion. As with any herb, be sure to review drug interactions before taking. Lastly chiropractic adjustments may help improve immune function.

Did you know that chiropractic care can also help keep you healthy? Numerous studies show benefits between chiropractic adjustment and positive changes in immune cells, mediators, and symptoms. Contact us at 715-720-2887 or dramy@lakewissotachiropractic.com if you are interested in learning more about helping to keep your family healthy!