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KIDS’ HEALTH
BACK-TO-
WSECLHLNOEOSLS
Following a few key best
practices can help your family
stay healthy as the school
year gets into gear.
THE DAYS ARE getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and football season
is on the horizon–along with the germs that threaten your child’s perfect
attendance record. Unfortunately, when lots of kids get together, illnesses
spread, but your crew can take steps to help reduce the risk of getting sick
this school year.
“Rhinovirus and other viruses that cause the common cold, as well as
influenza, are the most prevalent illnesses that affect kids heading back to
school,” says Christy Peterson, MD, pediatrician at Beverly Knight Olson
Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. “Hand washing is the number one most
effective way to stop the spread of germs that cause these illnesses. Teach your
children to use soap and water and to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ one time through
to make sure they are washing thoroughly.”
In addition to keeping hands clean, Dr. Peterson recommends annual visits to
the pediatrician, vaccinations and plenty of sleep.
“Vaccines are very well-studied and successful in strengthening the immune
system,” Dr. Peterson says. “It may take two weeks for each vaccine to have a
positive effect, so be patient.”
If your little one or teenager does pick up a cold or the flu, make sure he or pediatrician with Beverly Knight Olson Children’s
she is getting plenty of rest and fluids to help the body recover.
PROACTIVE PROTECTION
To ensure that your child is on track in terms of development, height and
weight, schedule checkups with the pediatrician every year, preferably around
your child’s birthday to make these visits a habit. This is also a great time to
have any necessary vaccinations.
TO FIND A PEDIATRICIAN, VISIT WWW.CHILDRENSHOSPITALNH.ORG
AND CHOOSE “FIND A DOCTOR.”
SLEEP GUIDE
FOR EVERY AGE
Everyone—kids included—gets grumpy when they
do not get enough rest. Children are also particularly
sensitive to sleep deprivation. When they do not get
enough rest, kids may have trouble concentrating or
getting along with others. Plus, lack of sleep may also
negatively affect growth and weaken the immune system.
To help your child get the right amount of sleep
per 24 hours, follow these guidelines from the
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Infants 4 to 12 months—12 to 16 hours*
Children 1 to 2 years—11 to 14 hours*
Children 3 to 5—10 to 13 hours*
Children 6 to 12—9 to 12 hours
Teens 13 to 18—8 to 10 hours
“Try to keep your kids on the same sleep schedule,
even on the weekends,” says Christy Peterson, MD,
Hospital, Navicent Health. “The most common issue
I see with teenagers is lack of sleep, so make rest a
family priority.”
* including naps
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