How To Help Children And Youth That Suffer From Colds And Flu: Frequent And Long
Occasional colds and flus are a necessary part of growing up, giving the body a chance to cleanse and readjust. Without help, frequent colds and flus can become a bigger challenge debilitating the body and leading to ear infections, stomach and/or intestinal illnesses. All this illness takes up time better used learning/playing, further affecting vitality and success in living and learning. Colds and flus can be due to a combination of: genetic factors; nutrition, vitamin and mineral imbalances; family patterns, exposure to environmental pollutants; lack of exercise; prolonged stress; breathing challenges; weakened immune system; disorganization of the body and mind as a result of trauma. If the child or youth is having frequent, long-lasting flus and colds it is important to see a health practitioner. It is normal for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to get up to eight colds a year. School age children can average up to six colds a year. Teens and adults can get up to four a year. Strong, healthy children & youth get over their colds quickly. All this is part of the body adjusting to new germs and viruses. Very frequent runny noses can be a sign of allergic reactions to something.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Pets • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
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For Parents: • Hand washing habits help prevent the spread of colds, flu, etc, even within families. • Sneezing and coughing manners and face masks can also help. • Careful dish washing helps as well. |
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•The healing professions of the world agree that massage, exercise, movement, happiness, fresh air and good food build healthy bodies that can resist illness and recover faster. • All the time and especially during cold/flu times, encourage drinking lots of water; avoid juices and sodas; limit sugar intake. Offer your child or youth more vegetables than fruit. • Differences of opinion exist on whether to provide a high or low protein, high bulk/low bulk diet during colds. • You have to find what works to help your child or youth recover quickly. • Return the child to regular activities as soon as possible. • Make sure your child is not exposed to second hand smoke and other air pollutants. • Going to small daycare centers and schools can help reduce the number of exposures and infections. •Avoid anti-bacterial soaps and wipes. These keep children, youth and adults from being exposed to the minimal amounts of bacteria they need to develop natural immunities. |
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Check out: www.MedLinePlus.gov; www.KidsHealth.org. |