Keeping Our Kids Healthy
It’s now September, and we have spent the last five months physically, mentally, and spiritually battling COVID-19. Our lives have taken many turns—many of us know people who became ill or even some that died during this time. It is tragic.
Normally this is the season when I am dropping my kids off at school each morning, but there are still too many unanswered questions and concerns about children’s health and safety during this pandemic. The latest CDC results show that 7.3% of all reported cases of COVID-19 were in children between the ages of 0-17 years. This percentage is fewer than adults, but there is still much more we need to know about this virus. The CDC also reports that the number of cases of children with COVID in the United States has steadily increased since March.
It is now more important than ever to take a look at how we are taking care of our children’s health. There are several things I consider for my own kids, and they are food, sleep, and exercise.
First, I need to feed them well and take care of the health of their gut. The digestive system, especially in children, can have a big impact on their overall immunity. I know that when my own children have too much white flour, dairy, and refined sugar in their diet, they get a little stuffy, restless, and their energy lags. In children, a weak digestive system can also have an effect on allergies and skin conditions and make them susceptible to colds and flu.
A good rule of thumb for children is to avoid overly rich or highly processed foods and to serve them whole foods whenever possible. Look at your child’s plate to see if you are encouraging good eating habits. When you see multiple colors of foods on their plate, you are likely to be giving your children all the vitamins and minerals they need in order to keep them healthy.
The next thing I consider is sleep. Are my children getting enough sleep? Toddlers and preschoolers need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep at night. School-age kids need between 8 and 12 hours of sleep depending on their age. Children who get enough sleep have healthier immune systems, enjoy better mental health and behavior, and have improved performance at school.
Parents need to do their best to help their children develop good sleep habits. Turn off all electronics and screens at least one hour before bed. Dim the lights, read a book, or listen to a children’s bedtime meditation to create a calming environment for falling asleep.
Exercise is a non-negotiable in my family. With two school-age boys, there is a noticeable difference if we don’t get them out on their bikes or running around outside. When we move our bodies, our circulation is improved. When our circulation is moving, pathogens have a harder time taking hold and bringing us down.
Children and adolescents should have 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day, although it doesn’t all have to be done all at the same time. Exercise can be split up into several 20-minute intervals, but kids need the activity to be vigorous at least three days a week. And don’t forget to hydrate!
At Tao of Wellness, we offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal tinctures to care for your little ones. Acupuncture can stimulate the body to heal itself and is very safe for children. If your child is hesitant to receive acupuncture, we offer non-needle tools to help keep them well or get them better faster.
Gua sha and pediatric massage can also be administered to children. A few simple techniques are all it takes to keep colds at bay and their digestive system healthy. If you are hesitant to bring your child in for an in-person visit, we offer telemedicine appointments to answer any questions you may have.