Health Tips for Kids in Winter

Now that winter has finally arrived so has cold and flu season. While winter should be a time for kids to play in the snow or building snowmen, it can also quickly become problematic if you and your kids are not prepared for the snowy season. Therefore parents need to take extra precaution to keep the children healthy and safe. We hope below health tips for children would be helpful to make your children stay stronger and enjoy their favorite season to the fullest!​

1. Avoid winter colds: First of all there is a misconception that cold weather causes kids to get sick easily, really doesn’t causes cold. In most cases the cold is mainly caused by viruses that we are more commonly exposed to in the winter months. Viruses spread even more easily when children are in school and in close contact with each other, typically through respiratory droplets in the air and on hands. Here are a few proven health tips for kids to avoid children’s colds in the winter.

2. Hydration in winter:Water is essential for human bodies, it not only carries nutrients to the cells in the body but it also helps clearing toxins in the body. Help kids keep themselves hydrated throughout winter to avoid risk of getting sick with common cough and cold. Kids should drink between 3-4 cups of water daily depending on their age and weight.
Sometime kids may not like to drink water so it doesn't have to be plain water if your child doesn’t like. You can make her health smoothie or also give fruit infused water that doesn't taste bland or has high amount of sugar like commercial juices.

3. Hand hygiene:Kids should wash hands frequently with soap and water during winter. It would greatly reduce the spread of germs and incidence of cold in children.  Kids should wash their hands with soap and water for at 30 seconds;

• Prior to and after every meal
• After they touch dirt, garbage, animals, or another person
• After sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose

Cover their mouth when they are sneezing or coughing by their elbows or hands. It also helps prevent spreading germs.

4. Keep immunization updated: Keep your and your children’s vaccinations up to date and current and that includes the yearly flu shot. Children over the age of 6 months and adults should get it every year.

5. Dress for weather:Both the parents and the younger kids should appropriately adjust your clothes for winter appropriately.

• Always dress in layers : If you begin to sweat, remove layers as needed to stay dry. Wet clothes can cause your body to chill and can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.
• Extra layer for kids: As a rule of thumb dress young children in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
• Protect your skin:  To avoid frostbite, keep your skin from being exposed to harsh temperatures especially small areas of your body, such as your feet hands, and ears. Consider going indoors if temperature drops below -18 C
• Winter accessories: Never forget your winter accessories such as warm boots, mittens, scarf and a hat before going out . This will make a lot of difference in keeping your young children comfortable.

6. Don't neglect frostbite symptoms: Move to a warmer location if you notice your child's skin is turning red or becoming numb. For relief from frostbite, use blankets or warm water to raise child's body temperature. See your family physician for better further care. 

​These winter health tips for children will help parents and kids enjoy winter activities safely.

​​-----------------------------------------------------------
About The Author : Preeti Verma
Preeti is one of contributing writers at SnackPass Canada. She wants to helps you with issues related to growing kids and healthy eating.