Are you sick and tired of your keiki bringing home congestion, coughs, and fevers along with their homework assignments at the end of the school day? You’re not alone in dreading your little ones greeting you with “I don’t feel good”. Sick days are a burden on the whole ohana, especially when kids generously share their germs with everyone in the house! It may seem like an inevitable part of childhood, but catching every cold and flu bug that goes around the schoolyard can be prevented. Here are some tips for building up your keiki’s immunity so they’re less susceptible to sickness, and your ohana can have fewer miserable days stuck in bed. Exercise, stress relief, a balanced diet, and certain supplements are all effective ways to boost immune system function. For the best health, we encourage: Exercise – Regular exercise mobilizes T cells, a type of white blood cell that guards the body against infection. Get your keiki outside and running around every day. Organized team sports are nice but not necessary. Some simple free time playing tag or hide and seek is just as good. Sleep – A solid 10+ hours are needed for kids to avoid reducing the activities of T cells in their bodies. Make sure it’s the 74 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 by Ali Riggs, Down to Earth Organic & Natural
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