Kiddipedia
The latest research from BioCeuticals and YouGov reveals it’s not just feeling sick that worries us when it comes to cold and flu. One in two Aussies with children under 18 are concerned about how they will support their family if they catch a common cold or flu (50%), while many others worry about money lost when sick (75%).
While we can’t always prevent catching a common cold, there are steps we can take to support our family’s health, especially during cold and flu season.
Jacqui O’Donnell, Practitioner Business Director at BioCeuticals shares her top 5 tips to support your family’s immune health this winter.
Tip 1: Create a solid sleep routine
Up to 45% of Aussies are not getting enough sleep and research shows that inadequate sleep can negatively impact our immune health! A great way to improve family sleep habits is to add in a sleep routine. By agreeing to set times for sleep – whether it’s for you or the kids – you’re more accountable and can better ensure a good night’s rest. School-age kids need around 9 – 12 and younger children need even more. In order to stick to sleep routines, try switching off blue light, tech and the TV 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
Tip 2: Add more fruits and veggies
Less than 1 in 10 Aussies meet their daily intake requirements for veggies and under 50% meet them for fruit. As a general rule of thumb, Aussies (kids included) should be aiming for at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit every day. Why are they so important? Flowing in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, and even antioxidants – fruits and veggies are a must-have in your family’s immune support regimen. Plus, they can actually taste good! Try grating veggies finely into sauces if your kids aren’t a fan of salads and plain steamed veg.
Tip 3: Consider immune support supplements
While we can’t always avoid catching a common cold or flu, we can take additional steps to support our immune health, so we are in the best position possible. A great way to do this is to eat a healthy diet. If you feel like you need additional support, you could consider immune supporting supplements, such as ones with vitamin C, D, zinc and other nutrients proven to play a role in our immune system health. One option to try for children ages 2 and up is ArmaForce for Juniors, while adults can lean on the original ArmaForce, ArmaForce Daily Protect or ArmaForce Recover and other products. It’s important to always read the label and follow the directions of use when using supplements.
Tip 4: Teach your kids good hygiene
Personal hygiene should be an ongoing practice and it’s important to teach kids good habits, especially when they’re young. Establishing good hygiene habits like washing hands before and after eating, going to the bathroom, or after touching things in public places, is a good place to start. Especially when common cold and flu are more prominent, social distancing is also a great, effective tool to reduce the risk of catching these.
Tip 5: Make mindfulness a must-have tool in the home
Stress is common in the homes of Aussie families. A study by BioCeuticals and YouGov has found that Australian parents of children under 18 have additional concerns on top of the symptoms of the common cold and flu. In fact, they are particularly concerned about losing money, infecting others and being able to take care of their household. Stress is also proven to impact our immune health. To reduce your family’s stress, make mindfulness a must-have tool in the home. Whether you encourage meditation, mindfulness colouring or yoga, working to remove unnecessary and prolonged stress for you, your kids and loved ones, is an effective way to support your immune health that every family should make a priority.
