Dr. Jeremy Wolf, LuckyVitamin.com health advisor
“The beginning of school can be a very stressful time for children," said Dr. Jeremy Wolf, health advisor at LuckyVitamin.com
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) August 13, 2015
It’s hard to believe, but in school districts throughout the US students are already returning to classrooms for the start of the fall semester. With the first day of autumn a mere six weeks away and the cold and flu season around the corner, it’s the ideal time to begin establishing the foundation kids need for a healthier year.
According to Dr. Jeremy Wolf, health advisor at LuckyVitamin.com and a licensed naturopathic doctor, supplements, herbs and minerals may play a key role in a child’s immune system health.
“The beginning of school can be a very stressful time for children. Waking up early, the commute to and from school, after-school academic and athletic programs and evening homework may combine to stress a child’s immune system,” said Dr. Wolf.
“Kids go from basking in the daylight and replenishing their vitamin D levels to sitting in a classroom for the better part of the day. By committing to a healthy lifestyle early in the school year, kids may experience fewer sick days and less school days missed – and subsequently parents take less time from work – and benefit from a more enjoyable school year as a result.”
These health and wellness tips from LuckyVitamin.com are designed to help kids and their families have a safe and healthy school year.
Lifestyle Tips
- Children should wash hands frequently with warm soap and water for about 20 seconds;
- To help prevent spreading germs, children (and adults) should sneeze or cough into their inner arms where the elbow ends;
- Address dental cleanings, physical and eye exams and hearing tests before the start of the school year.
- Remind children of good hygiene practices like showering daily, remembering to use a tissue, clipping nails, etc.;
- Avoid sharing food, hats and water bottles;
- Sleep an adequate amount each night, and
- Avoid processed foods, sugar and other artificial ingredients and enjoy fruits and vegetables instead.
Supplements and Herbs for Immune System Strength
Supplements and herbs may play an important role in a child’s immune system strength, especially in the period leading up to the cold and flu season. Before administering certain vitamins like Vitamin D, which assists the body in making more than 200 antimicrobial peptides necessary in fighting off a wide range of infections, a 25-OH-Vitamin D blood test will provide an understanding of how much supplementation a child needs.
Other supplements that may help to strengthen the immune system are probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, the beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract. Herbs might also play a key role. Elderberry, for example, has strong anti-viral properties which may make it effective for preventing and helping to treat colds and influenza. Zinc, a mineral, in the form of lozenges, might help to reduce the duration of the common cold.
Brain Health
Supplements and herbs won’t guarantee your child will be an academic superstar, but supplements like fish oils contain an omega 3 called Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is critical for brain health and function throughout all stages of life. And Bacopa monnieri is a nootropic herb that has long been used in Ayuredic medicine for children with developmental delays. In botanical medicine, it is thought to have the ability to enhance memory development and cognitive performance such as learning and concentration.
About LuckyVitamin.com
LuckyVitamin.com is a leading online retailer of health and wellness products, herbal supplements, sports nutrition and health foods. Striving to bring good health to the masses, LuckyVitamin.com offers premium quality products at an exception value. LuckyVitamin.com is committed to empower people to live healthier lives by providing thousands of brand name products at the most competitive prices online.
