How Can Immunity Be Boosted During the Winter School Break?
How to Boost Immunity During the Midterm Break
Children enter the midterm break for a short respite after four months of intensive school days. For this brief pause to pass healthily and without problems, certain guidelines must be followed. Particularly to prevent the spread of infections such as Covid-19 and influenza, it is important that families maintain healthy lifestyles. Specialist Dr. Elif Erdem Özcan from the Department of Child Health and Diseases at Memorial Şişli Hospital provided information on strengthening immunity to protect children from illnesses during the midterm break.
Winter months are a period when not only Covid-19 but also viruses such as influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza are on the rise. These infections adversely affect child health. With the midterm break beginning, there may be a further increase in winter infections. For this reason, great care must be taken during the midterm break for child health, and recommendations that support the immune system should be followed.
Be Careful Not to Skip Meals
There are three fundamental aspects to prevent negative effects on the immune system and maintain its strength. Healthy nutrition, regular sleep, and physical activity are the three important pillars of immunity. With the school closure, negative patterns typically emerge such as shifting meal times, skipping meals, and increased consumption of junk food. However, this can negatively affect the immune system. For this reason, it is necessary to eat as regularly as possible and avoid packaged foods. During this period, consuming foods rich in vitamin C is important. In addition, attention should be paid to children's fluid intake and regular water consumption.Exercise and Sleep Schedule Are Crucial
The midterm break may disrupt children's sleep schedules; children may want to sleep at later hours. In this case, a compromise should be reached, with bedtime delayed by no more than half an hour from the normal sleep time. Disrupted sleep schedules negatively affect both growth and immunity. Additionally, as activities decrease during the break, physical movement also decreases, which increases weight gain. Children should be encouraged to exercise as much as possible. For example, if it snows, playing snowball fights outdoors or taking short walks during the day with the head and ears protected can be appropriate.Phone, Television and Tablet Use Formula: Age × 10 Minutes
For those traveling outside the city or abroad for the break, spending time in less crowded environments is very important. Holiday options in places with limited numbers of people should be preferred. Even during the break, mask, distance, and hygiene rules must be observed. During school-free periods, children's screen exposure may also increase. Phone, tablet, and television use should be increased by no more than half an hour. Generally, for children over 3 years of age, total screen exposure per day should be age × 10 minutes. Additionally, this period is a time when children need both mental and physical rest. For this reason, it is psychologically important that parents not exert excessive pressure on children regarding report cards or schoolwork.Pay Attention to Vitamin D Intake!
Besides this, vitamin D is recommended for strengthening children's immunity. Additionally, children who do not consume fish regularly should use fish oil supplements. An important point to note is that all types of vitamin supplements should not be used without consulting a pediatric specialist.What Can Be Done for Immunity During the Midterm Break?
1. Focus on family games and spend more time at home. 2. Give children household responsibilities and cook together in the kitchen. 3. Take short walks in nature and play snowball if there is snow. 4. Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. 5. If going outside, ensure the child's head and ears are covered. 6. Balance fluid intake. 7. Pay attention to the child's probiotic nutrition. 8. Do not spend long periods in enclosed spaces; plan activities outdoors. 9. Follow mask, distance, and hygiene rules. 10. Encourage the child to exercise. 11. Limit screen exposure.Advertisement
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