Viruses and bacteria are the prime suspects behind many childhood illnesses, especially during school age. All it takes is a single child to bring a germ to class for the spread to commence. By teaching our children some essential healthy habits, we can help make health at school a priority during the academic year. Here are three precious tips on how to keep your child healthy:
1. Teach your child about proper handwashing
As per the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teach your child to wash his hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with clean, running water and soap. After rinsing his hands under the running water, he should use a paper towel or an air dryer to dry his hands. If no running water is available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used instead.
2. Teach your child about covering his face on coughing or sneezing
It is crucial for your child's health -and others- to learn to cover his cough or sneeze. Make sure you teach him to use a tissue to cover his face. If no tissue is handy, he may use his sleeve (but not his hands!) to cover his face. If you notice that your child is about to cough or sneeze, you can always remind him “Cover your mouth with your sleeve”.
3. Teach your child not to share his personal items
If you want to decrease your child's propensity to catch a cold or something much more serious, one good way is to teach him to keep his items personal. Items such as earphones, musical instruments, towels, sporting gear, and of course, water bottles should not be shared among classmates to minimize the risks of infection spread.
The Department of Paediatrics and Family Medicine
THE DUBAI LONDON CLINIC AND SPECIALITY HOSPITAL
Locations:
Dubai London Clinic and Speciality Hospital, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Dubai London Clinic (Dubai Festival City)
Dubai London Clinic (Al Thanya Centre)
Dubai London Clinic (Spinneys Villa Centro Community Mall)
Dubai London Dental Clinic ( Al Wasl)
Telephone No: 800-DLC / 800-352
Website: www.dubailondonclinic.com