Get Moving With Thibodaux Regional Health System | Healthy Habits for Children

Healthy Bites With TGMC | Snack Healthy!
August 5, 2020
S.T.E.A.M. | The Unstoppable, Unpoppable Bubble!
August 5, 2020
Healthy Bites With TGMC | Snack Healthy!
August 5, 2020
S.T.E.A.M. | The Unstoppable, Unpoppable Bubble!
August 5, 2020

Worried about COVID-19?

Trying to do what’s best to protect your child from COVID-19 and the vast array of germs they can be exposed to every day? Sickness is a naturally occurring experience that can help build immunity. But, an ill child can be a scary thing for parents. Let’s explore some healthy habits which can give them a boost, keep them going, and help give parents peace of mind.

Eat more fruits and vegetables


Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries – all are immunity-boosting nutrients that help to increase the body’s production of infection-fighting warriors that assist with blocking out viruses. Studies also suggest that diets full of fruit and vegetable nutrients can also help protect against such chronic diseases as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. A serving is about two tablespoons for toddlers and one cup for older kids.

Bedtime Matters

Sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by weakening the immune system. How much sleep do children need? Preschoolers and school age children should receive 10 to 13 hours according to the National Sleep Foundation.


Exercise is a Benefit to Your Health

Regular exercise and increased daily activity increases the number of virus destroying cells found in our bodies. Set your goal of being a great role model and help your child create a lifelong fitness habit.  Playing outside, dancing, obstacle courses, playing tag, jumping rope, and running are all examples to help give children the urge to get moving! Other fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, inline skating, basketball, and tennis.

Twenty-Second Hand Washing


Frequent hand washing with soap and water is a great way to fight germs and reduce stress on your child’s immune system. It is helpful to pay particular attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from camp, school, or daycare. To help kids get into the handwashing habit at home, let them pick out their own brightly colored hand towels and soap in fun shapes, colors, and scents. When running errands, carrying disposable wipes and hand sanitizer can make it easier for quick cleanups. Remember that hand sanitizer with greater than 60% alcohol content is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Don’t forget about that toothbrush! It is important to change or sterilize your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu, a mouth infection, or a sore throat. Germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and can hop from toothbrush to toothbrush, infecting other family members.

For more helpful information about COVID-19 visit www.thibodaux.com.