A new school year brings new friendships, opportunities, and adventures. Unfortunately, it also brings the dreaded cold and flu season, or as some parents and teachers call it, the “Back-to-School Plague”.
And while the chances of your child coming home with a fever or the sniffles at some point during the year are pretty high, that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and wait for it to happen. These 5 important preventive measures can help keep those missed school days and doctor visits to a minimum.
Avoid the Danger Zones. The water fountain is one of the most germ-filled places in the school. Encourage your children to bring a reusable water bottle to quench their thirst throughout the day. If they needs to use the fountain, have them let the water run for a few seconds before taking a sip, and never touch their lips to the spigot.
Keep Hands Away. Lockers, pencils, and desks, oh my! Kids touch countless surfaces during the course of a school day, all a smorgasbord of germs. Remind them to avoid touching their faces, especially their mouths.
Wash, Wash, Wash. It’s a simple way to reduce the spread of germs, but one that many kids forget. Make sure your child knows to wash his or her hands throughout the day, especially after recess, before meals and snacks, and after coughing or sneezing.
Teach Sniffle Etiquette. If they need to cough or sneeze, they should do so in a tissue. If there isn’t one nearby, the arm is a good alternative. Consider sending your kids to school with their own pack of tissues, or donate a few boxes to his or her classroom.
Healthy From the Inside. The best way to keep your family healthy is from the inside. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat nutritious, immunity boosting foods. Children and adults who are worn out and don’t get proper nutrition have a higher chance of getting sick.
Here’s another simple way to ensure a healthier school year for every member of your family: call Burton now to schedule pre-season preventative maintenance for your heating system. Among numerous other steps, we clean or replace your filter as needed. A clean filter, in turn, helps keep harmful pollutants out of the air, thus reducing the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses. To learn more about our multi-point heating system cleanings and inspections, or to schedule service, contact Burton today!
