As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it’s essential to start thinking about how to prepare your children for winter. For many families, this means wearing winter clothes and stocking up on cold-weather gear. But there’s more to preparing for winter than just that. Here are five ways to help your children (and yourself) stay safe and healthy all season long.
Get a Flu Shot
Children are the most vulnerable to all sorts of diseases during winter. For example, the flu virus, also known as influenza, is hazardous to young children and can quickly spread through schools, daycare, and other places where kids congregate.
Flu season typically runs from October to May, so now is the time to get vaccinated. It’s recommended that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot yearly. You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, or even at some employers’ health clinics.
Hot Tubs!
A warm bath is one way to keep your children comfortable during winter. But did you know that a hot tub can also help your kids (and you) stay healthy? Soaking in hot water helps improve circulation and can relieve pain. It can also help clear congestion and ease respiratory problems like asthma. If you don’t have a hot tub, consider investing in a spacious four-person hot tub. This kind of hot tub can accommodate a huge family! First, however, ensure that you keep an eye out for your children while they’re in the tub.
Teach Your Children About Germs
Germs are everywhere, and they’re especially prevalent during cold and flu season. Help your children stay healthy by teaching them about germs and how to avoid them. Here are some things you should teach them.
Handwashing
You must teach your children the importance of washing their hands. Show them how to wash their hands correctly and why it’s essential.
Keep Your Nose and Mouth Closed
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. This is another good way to help prevent the spread of germs. Teach your children to cover their mouths with their elbows or a tissue when they sneeze or cough. If they don’t have a tissue, have them cough into their sleeve. And if you are sick, ensure you’re staying home from work or school so you don’t spread your illness to others.
Germs and Surfaces
It’s also important to teach your child when germs are most likely to spread. For example, when someone sneezes, the droplets that come from their nose can land on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, or toys. These droplets can contain viruses and bacteria that can make people sick. So it’s essential to teach your children to clean surfaces often, especially during cold and flu season.
Stay warm and dry
Hypothermia is a serious risk during cold weather, so it’s important to dress warmly when you go outside. Here are some ways to keep warm and dry during the winter season.
Wear Warm Clothes
Dress in layers, and ensure you have a hat, scarf, and gloves. It’s also a good idea to wear waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. And if you’ll be outside for an extended period, carry a spare set of clothes in case you get wet.
Get a Heater
If you don’t have a heater in your home, now is the time to get one. A space heater can help you stay warm and dry during winter. But be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid fires.
Keep the Humidity Up
Dry air can cause problems like static electricity, dry skin, and chapped lips. To avoid these problems, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can happen more quickly in colder weather because people drink less. But it’s still important to stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day (or more if you’re active). Here are some creative ways to keep your children hydrated.
Stews and Soups
Drinking hot soups and stews is a great way to stay hydrated and warm during winter. And there are so many delicious recipes to choose from!
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Fruit and vegetable juices are another excellent way to stay hydrated. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a winter favorite for many kids (and adults!). But did you know that it can also help you stay hydrated? That’s because hot chocolate contains water-rich ingredients like milk and cocoa powder. So the next time your kids ask for hot chocolate, make them a healthy version with skim milk and sugar-free cocoa powder.
There are many ways to prepare your children for winter. By teaching them about germs, getting a flu shot, investing in a hot tub, and stocking up on winter gear, you can help your family stay safe and healthy all season long.
