Health & Hygiene. Illness & Winter

Staying healthy is important for one to live a happy, stress-free and fruitful life. A person is considered healthy if they are able to maintain a good balance of a sound body and mind. In order to attain a certain level of wellness physically, mentally and emotionally among our children, we need to develop and practice these health habits that are geared towards a healthful living:

1. Always include foods that are high in nutritional values in the daily meals. Foods that give energy and meals that contain protein, vitamins and minerals help the body to function well, enable the children to do their tasks with strength and enthusiasm. Having a balanced diet will also instill in them the habit of choosing healthier options when they become grown-ups. Remember, ‘What one eats makes one what he is.’
   
2. Do away with carbonated drinks and junk foods. These foods are known to taste good but do not have the necessary nutrients needed for normal growth and development. Serve mixed fruits instead of lollies, opt for cookies used with natural sweeteners instead of cakes with heavy frostings, or choose a homemade banana split, over an ice cream that is full of preservatives.
   
3. Enough rest and sleep should be strictly observed as the human body needs adequate rest, and our working it most of the time is stressful to the body. Insufficient sleep and unhealthy bedtime habits lead to some illnesses and unwanted behaviors, so it’s best if one does not always push the body to its limits; and therefore, plenty of rest and sleep are essential for our kids’ optimum development.
   
4. A good, age-appropriate exercise should also be practiced daily. Choose a simple routine that will help develop muscle tone. Engage in some chores or sport activities that develop strength, flexibility and endurance.
   
5. Have enough liquid intake. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is not only good for the body; it also helps establish regular bowel movement. Eliminating body waste regularly should be observed to get rid of body toxins. Failure to do so results in various health problems such as bloating, gassiness, constipation, and even bad breath.
   
6. Teach the importance of hygiene. Cleanliness is the mother of all the healthful habits that should be practiced in order to lessen the diseases that can be contracted. Taking a bath daily, and keeping personal things like toothbrush, towel, comb, clothing and footwear clean will all help contribute to be protected protected from the organisms that carry diseases.
   
7. It is ideal to make sure that things inside the home are clean so that the prevention of diseases will be ensured. In the preparation of food during meals, care should be taken that the foods are handled with clean hands—the plates, bowls, cups, knives and other cooking utensils should be properly cleaned by using dishwashing liquids that will keep things germ-free. The stove, tables, chopping boards and food containers should be thoroughly washed to prevent food contamination among the little ones.
   
8. The matter of making things clean is one thing; the matter of ensuring that things are free from germs is another. One can see the spotlessness of things but bad organisms cannot be seen by the naked eye so various disinfectants that are meant to kill carriers of possible diseases and illnesses are the homemaker’s weapons in preserving the good health of the members of the family.
   

Cleanliness is not limited to personal hygiene but also to the sanitation of the home, the immediate surroundings and the community as a whole—practicing good health habits contribute to a successful quality life.

Although some ailments are not caused by bacteria, there are still situations when healthful habits should be observed. Just like when winter comes, people usually prepare the house, the cars and other important things for the freezing and wintry weather. The risk of flu, colds and allergies is high during winter. Make sure that your fireplace is regularly cleaned and maintained—whether it is winter or not, to ensure that it is efficient and safe for use

The dark and cold days of winter also make some people feel unhappy, and some kids are also affected by it. At home, dark or dim lights during this time may evoke ill-feelings so using bright lights will prevent the stirring up of the said ‘gloomy emotion’.

Playing music with a cheery, melodious vibe at home will surely bring a positive impact to the mental and emotional wellness of your little ones. Doing arts and crafts at home that involve colorful materials, and teaching them simple recipes will keep them inspired and preoccupied indoors

Truly, making oneself healthy and safe depends on one’s wise decision to practice healthful and safety habits. Even if this means spending more time, and exerting additional effort and discipline, witnessing our children enjoy the benefits of health and safety, seeing them play their favorite games full of vigor, and listening to their laughter and giggles—these things make us realise that everything is all worth it. And as parents, seeing our kids healthy, secure and happy is our greatest source of joy.