Back to school has finally arrived. As many students return to classrooms in person after a far from normal school year last year, parents may be concerned about the contagious germs children will no doubt encounter on the playground, the classroom. classroom, cafeteria or school bus.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most children catch six to eight colds a year, about two-thirds more colds than adults each year. Young immune systems have not yet developed as much resistance, and viruses can spread quickly in environments where children are in close contact, such as school.

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To avoid sick leave this school year, here are five back-to-school tips to keep kids and their immune systems healthy and strong.

Teach healthy habits. The first step in making sure your child stays healthy is to teach them healthy habits. As we learned during COVID, proper hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of disease. Children should wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds (or the length of the alphabet song) after using the toilet and before eating. They should also blow their nose in a tissue and sneeze and cough into their elbow. While sharing is something we teach our children, sharing things like water bottles, utensils, hats, and clothing should be avoided.

Follow check-ups and vaccines. When school resumes, it can be easy for things to slip through the cracks, but it’s important to schedule annual pediatrician appointments. Seeing a doctor regularly will allow him to screen your child for any potential problems, as well as ensure he has all the required vaccines for the coming year. This includes an annual influenza vaccine; It is recommended that every family member receive a flu shot by the end of October. The flu virus can pose a much higher risk to children, whose immune systems are still developing.

Boost the immune and digestive systems with probiotics. The start of the school year can be difficult for a child’s immune system – variations in their environment and fluctuations in eating habits can put stress on their body. Introducing a probiotic with vitamins can help support their gut health and immunity. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that promote good digestion, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infections. Instead of the typical capsule probiotics, there are kid-friendly, fast-melting probiotics that taste great and dissolve instantly in the mouth. Look for probiotics fortified with vitamin D3 for immunity.

Make healthy food choices. The basis of a strong immune system is nutritious food. From an early age, children need a well-balanced diet to help them stay energetic throughout the school day and boost their brain function. Fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber are all essential for nourishing growing children. We all know kids can be picky eaters, but you can encourage healthy eating by letting them choose between two nutritious options, inserting veggies into a dish they already love, and leading by example.

Armed with these tips, your child will be ready to stay safe and healthy throughout the coming school year.

Justin Marsh is the CEO of Arthur Andrew Medical, a Scottsdale-based manufacturer of enzyme and probiotic supplements. Arthur Andrew Medical products are rooted in science with no processors or fillers. They are dedicated to conducting extensive research and clinical applications with dietary supplements for the advancement of natural health alternatives.