7 Ways to Boost Your Child's Immunity

By www.parents.com

What can you do to protect your child from the endless array of germs and viruses he's exposed to every day? Unfortunately, in some ways, getting sick when you're a kid is simply part of the job description. "We all enter this world with an inexperienced immune system," says Charles Shubin, M.D., an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland, in Baltimore. Slowly, children prime their immunity by battling an ongoing series of germs, viruses, and other organisms -- which is why many pediatricians consider six to eight colds, bouts of flu, or ear infections per year normal. But there are healthy habits you can adopt that will give your child's immune system a boost.

1. Serve more fruits and vegetables. Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: They all contain such immunity-boosting phytonutrients as vitamin C and carotenoids, says William Sears, M.D., author of The Family Nutrition Book (Little Brown, 1999). Phytonutrients may increase the body's production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that a diet rich in phytonutrients can also protect against such chronic diseases as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. (A serving is about two tablespoons for toddlers, 1¼ cup for older kids.)

2. Boost sleep time. Studies of adults show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune-system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. The same holds true for children, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., director of the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research at Children's Hospital, in Boston. Children in day care are particularly at risk for sleep deprivation because all the activity can make it difficult for them to nap. How much sleep do kids need? A newborn may need up to 18 hours of cribtime a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours. "If your child can't or won't take naps during the day, try to put her to bed earlier," says Dr. Kemper.

3. Breast-feed your baby. Breast milk contains turbo-charged immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing guards against ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary-tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Studies show that it may also enhance your baby's brain power and help protect her against insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn's disease, colitis, and certain forms of cancer later in life. Colostrum, the thin yellow "premilk" that flows from the breasts during the first few days after birth, is especially rich in disease-fighting antibodies, says Dr. Shubin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms breast-feed for a year. If this commitment isn't realistic, aim to breast-feed for at least the first two to three months in order to supplement the immunity your baby received in utero.

4. Exercise as a family. Research shows that exercise increases the number of natural killer cells in adults -- and regular activity can benefit kids in the same way, says Ranjit Chandra, M.D., a pediatric immunologist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. To get your children into a lifelong fitness habit, be a good role model. "Exercise with them rather than just urge them to go outside and play," says Renee Stucky, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Missouri Medical School. Fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, in-line skating, basketball, and tennis.

5. Guard against germ spread. Fighting germs doesn't technically boost immunity, but it's a great way to reduce stress on your child's immune system. Make sure your kids wash their hands often -- and with soap. You should pay particular attention to their hygiene before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from day care. When you're out, carry disposable wipes with you for quick cleanups. To help kids get into the hand-washing habit at home, let them pick out their own brightly colored hand towels and soap in fun shapes, colors, and scents.

Another key germ-busting strategy: "If your child does get sick, throw out her toothbrush right away," says Barbara Rich, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. A child can't catch the same cold or flu virus twice, but the virus can hop from toothbrush to toothbrush, infecting other family members. If it's a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, however, your child can reinfect herself with the same germs that got her sick in the first place. In that case, tossing the toothbrush protects both your child and the rest of your family.

6. Banish secondhand smoke. If you or your spouse smokes, quit. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 toxins, most of which can irritate or kill cells in the body, says Beverly Kingsley, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta. Kids are more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke because they breathe at a faster rate; a child's natural detoxification system is also less developed. Secondhand smoke increases a child's risk of SIDS, bronchitis, ear infections, and asthma. It may also affect intelligence and neurological development. If you absolutely can't quit smoking, you can reduce your child's health risks considerably by smoking only outside the house, Dr. Kingsley says.

7. Don't pressure your pediatrician. Urging your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu, or sore throat is a bad idea. Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, "but the majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses," says Howard Bauchner, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and public health at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Studies show, however, that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics somewhat reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly think it can't hurt. In fact, it can. Strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have flourished as a result, and a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it's caused by stubborn bacteria that don't respond to standard treatment. Whenever your child's pediatrician wants to prescribe an antibiotic, make sure she isn't prescribing it solely because she thinks you want it. "I strongly encourage parents to say, 'Do you think it's really necessary?' " Dr. Bauchner says.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

30 Healthier Snack Ideas for Kids

Article by www.familycorner.com

It's time for the kids to head back to school. When they come home each afternoon have healthier snacks waiting so that they don't grab for potato chips or cookies. Our members shared their ideas for fun and tasty snacks that are much better than the prepackaged ones that are so easy to grab. A little forethought will get them eating better and they'll thank you for it. We asked our members to share their ideas for healthier after school (or any time) snacks for kids.

    whole wheat crackers and toppings - try sliced cheese, cream cheese, egg salad, tuna salad, peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, or pepperoni. Make your own Lunchables by layering ham or turkey and cheese!

    celery and/or carrots with dip - popular dips among kids may include ranch, hummus, creamy italian dressing, bean dip, cream cheese, and other soft cheeses. Try other raw vegetables too, like cucumbers, zucchini and bell pepper slices.

    fresh fruit - different varieties of melon cut into chunks, whole strawberries and pineapple wedges are fun and colorful. Use rounded toothpicks to let kids make their own kabobs or mix several fruits together to make a quick fruit salad; add a dollop of fat free whipped topping.

    apple slices and dip - use an apple slicer or cut into slices with a knife and sprinkle with a little lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Serve with peanut butter, fat free whipped topping, yogurt, sugar free caramel dip, or other fruit dips.

    tortilla roll ups and pinwheels - spread with peanut butter or peanut butter and jelly, roll up then slice into 1" pieces to make pinwheels. use a layer of cream cheese and a slice or two of turkey or ham, or layer with spreadable cheese and various vegetables, roll up and eat.

    trail mix - make your own by mixing together peanuts, raisins, chocolate chips, mini pretzels, granola, and other sweet and salty ingredients. Keep the high sugar sweets to a minimum.

    granola & yogurt - granola makes a great snack on its own, but it's also very tasty when you stir it into a container of yogurt. Look for different flavors available at your local grocer.

    cheese sticks - String cheese is very popular with kids. You can also find colby sticks and cheddar sticks at the store. You can also cut your own from any of your favorite cheeses!

    pretzel sticks & cheese - cut your child's favorite cheese(s) into cubes and give him pretzel sticks to pick them up with. Safer than toothpicks and edible too. You can also try dipping pretzels in cheese sauce or bean dip.

    popcorn - make the light butter or unbuttered kind and sprinkle with parmesan cheese while it's still hot. Try season salt, cinnamon sugar, and anything else you can think of to spice it up.

    cheese quesadillas - sandwich shredded or packaged sliced cheese in between two tortillas. Heat in the microwave until cheese is melted. For younger kids with smaller appetites, use only one tortilla, layer half of it with cheese, fold over and heat.

    mini pizzas - spread tomato paste or spaghetti sauce onto a toasted english muffin, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and any other toppings you like. Heat in the broiler for a minute or two until cheese is bubbly.

    quick breads and muffins - best when made from scratch, these are wonderful when popped into the microwave for a few seconds and dotted with a little butter. Muffins and quick breads are easy to make and there are many varieties including zucchini, banana, blueberry, and more.

    smoothies - a great way to sneak in extra dairy and fruit. Pour 1 cup of milk into a blender, add enough frozen fruit to reach top of milk, add an 8 ounce container of yogurt, blend until smooth. Mix and match flavors, try frozen pineapple and vanilla yogurt, frozen strawberries and banana yogurt, or frozen cherries and cherry yogurt.

    bagels, toast, english muffins - spread bagels with different flavored cream cheese and cut into bite sized wedges. Make toast and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, cut into triangles. Toast an english muffin and spread with peanut butter and jelly or layer with a slice of cheese.

    cereal - toasted "O's", fruit circles, and other finger cereals and great as a snack. You don't have to limit a bowl of cereal to breakfast, this makes a fun and different snack for hungry kids as well.

    yogurt - keep a variety of flavored yogurts, containers, squeezable and drinkable are all available.

    bananas and peanut butter - slice a banana lengthwise down the middle. Spread each slice with peanut butter. Cut into bite size pieces and serve with round toothpicks or pretzels.

    parfaits - layer fresh cut up fruit with yogurt and a little granola. Your kids will think they are getting dessert!

    sugar free gelatin and puddings - if you do need a quick to grab snack sugar free gelatins and puddings are much better than a handful of chocolate cookies. Keep a small supply on hand and out of reach.

    rice cakes - serve plain or spread with peanut butter or Nutella (chocolate and hazelnut spread). Rice cakes come in many varieties and flavors.

    pita wedges & hummus - cut a pita pocket into small wedges, warm in the microwave and spread with cream cheese or your favorite hummus.

    graham crackers - graham crackers are a tasty substitution for cookies. They are perfect for spreading peanut butter or dipping into applesauce.

    tortilla chips & salsa - serve unsalted tortilla chips with homemade salsa. Mix together chopped tomato, chopped green onion, a little garlic salt and chopped fresh cilantro.

    animal crackers - another great substitution for cookies

    dried fruit - everyone knows about raisins, but don't forget all the other wonderful dried fruits available. Dried cranberries, plums, mangos and other tropical fruits are sweet like candy. Due to their natural sugar content they should be served in moderation but definitely in place of processed sweets.

    bread - bread sticks fresh from the oven are yummy, as are sliced pieces of french bread with cream cheese, or bread and butter cut into squares and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or garlic salt.

    cereal & granola bars - another great option for quick grab and go snacks, cereal and granola bars come in a wide variety of flavors.

    applesauce - you'd be surprised at the different flavors available in applesauce these days!

    pita pocket stuffers - fill pita pockets with cheese and ham, turkey and lettuce, or even bananas and peanut butter

Runny Nose in the Child Care Setting
(The snuffly child or Green Gooky Nose)
By www.kidnkaboodle.net

What Is It?
The child with a runny nose and stuffiness is a familiar problem in the child care setting. The nose is lined or covered by a delicate tissue called "mucosa" which produces mucus (the sticky, slippery secretions) to protect the nose. If this tissue is irritated, it swells up, causing blockage and a lot of mucus. Sometimes children get repeated runny noses or permanent sniffles and a green nasal discharge, which are uncomfortable conditions for the child as well as child care provider.

What Is Causing the Runny Nose?
The Common Cold is the most common cause of a runny nose and chronic runny nose. This is generally a mild illness, and the child feels and looks well otherwise. The child usually gets better on his own within a week. Runny nose is usually accompanied by mild fever. It may also go with other symptoms such as headache, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and fatigue.

The child with common cold usually gets better on his own within a week.

Allergies can also cause a runny nose. They usually occur after 2 years of age and after the child has had plenty of exposure to allergens (the substances that can produce allergic reaction in the body). They might occur during a specific season or after a particular exposure (e.g. to grass or animals). The allergic runny nose might also be associated with watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, asthma, rubbing of the nose and a lot of clear mucus.

With allergies, the runny nose may last for weeks or months, but there is no fever or spread of disease to others.

Bacterial infection (sinus infection) may occasionally develop and contribute to the continuation of illness. This additional infection of the common cold tends to cause yellow-greenish mucus and sometimes pain that continues for more than 10 days.

Remember that yellow or green mucus does not mean that a child has a bacterial infection. It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color as common viral cold progresses.

Is Green Mucus More of a Concern than Clear Mucus? In most cases green nasal mucus (usually found toward the end of the cold) is not more contagious than clear mucus and may even be less contagious. The runny nose usually starts with clear mucus and then becomes whitish or greenish as the cold dries up and gets better, (as the body mounts its defenses against the virus, the white blood cells enter the mucus and give it the green color). Usually the green mucus is in smaller amounts and thicker, a sign that the cold is "drying up" and ending.

Green runny nose that lasts for more than 10-14 days, and that may be accompanied by fever, headache, cough, and foul-smelling breath, might be a sign of sinus infection. The child should have a medical evaluation and may need antibiotic treatment.

When Are Children Contagious?

The amount of virus present is usually highest 2 to 3 days before a person develops symptoms of the illness and continues to be present for 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. As a result, infected children already spread viruses before they begin to feel ill.

If Infected, how is the Infection Spread?

If infected the child may spread the germs to others by:

Wiping a nose with their hand and then touching people and objects
Provider wiping children's noses and not washing hands
Sharing of mouthed toys by infants and toddlers
Coughing and sneezing into the air
Kissing on the mouth
Poor ventilation

How Can We Limit the Spread of Infection?

To prevent the spread of infection from respiratory illnesses and runny noses, follow routine healthy practices:

Avoid contact with mucus as much as possible.
Make sure that all children and staff use good hand washing practices especially after wiping or blowing noses; after contact with any nose, throat or eye secretions; and before preparing or eating food.
Do not allow food to be shared.
Clean and disinfect all mouthed toys and frequently used surfaces on a daily basis.
Wash eating utensils carefully in hot, soapy water; then disinfect and air dry. Use a dishwasher whenever possible. Use disposable cups whenever possible.
Make sure that the facility is well ventilated, children are not crowded together, especially during naps on floor mats or cots. Open the windows and play outside as much as possible even in the winter.
Teach children to cough and sneeze into their elbow, wipe noses using disposable tissues, throw the tissue into the wastebasket, and wash their hands.

When Should the Child Stay Home?

Exclusion policies should be based on your general illness policies, not merely the color of the mucus. For example, you might decide to exclude any child who is too sick to participate, no matter what the cause or color of the discharge.

Excluding children with runny noses and mild respiratory infections and colds is generally not recommended. As long as the child feels well, can participate comfortably and does not require a level of care that would jeopardize the health and safety of other children, she can be included. .

Exclusion is of little benefit since viruses are likely to be spread even before symptoms have appeared.

When Should the Child Be Sent Home or Seen by a Health Provider?

When a child looks sick, has a rash, has a fever over 102 degrees (oral), or has difficulty breathing or seems to be in pain
Earache and/or pulling at ears, which might be accompanied by fever and fussiness (sign of ear infection)
Redness, sores and crusting of the skin around the nose and mouth
Infants, especially under 4 months of age, not getting better in a couple of days or getting worse

References: Healthy Young Children, A Manual for Programs, 1995 Edition; Keeping Kids Healthy, Preventing and Managing Communicable Diseases in Child Care, Preliminary Edition; The ABCs of Safe and Healthy Child Care, A Handbook for Child Care Providers, published by CDC.

Rahman Zamani, MPH (8/19/1998)

Helping Your Child Adjust to Childcare

Article by www.life.familyeducation.com

Depending upon your family situation, your child may have no trouble at all getting used to a new childcare situation. On the other hand—particularly if he or she is a certain age and has been home with you as the primary caregiver for the past few years—going to a new location or having a new caregiver in the home all day may prove to be a difficult transition. The good news is that most children do eventually make peace with the new order. If you did not ask the childcare provider during your inter­view how she handles children with separation anxiety, be sure to do so before the first day your child is in day care. In addition, there are steps that you can take to facilitate the change in routine and ensure your child is comfortable with the different setting.

Out-of-Home Care
Enrolling a child in a day care center or family day care presents a whole set of potential adjustment problems. Not only is the child with a new caregiver, he or she is in an entirely new environment. The more time he or she has to get used to the idea before going to day care for the first time, the smoother the transition is likely to be.

One of the best ways to put your child at ease prior to starting day care is to have him or her visit the facility or family day care home, preferably more than once, for short visits. He or she can interact with the primary caregiver at the facility, as well as with the other children that will be in his or her room, or not interact at all. It may take some time before your child is ready to participate with his or her classmates, and that is all right. Your job is to be supportive of your child and not push him or her into playing with or talking to others if he or she is not yet comfortable doing so.

Some experts suggest reading books with your child about going to day care before the first day arrives. One children's book dealing with separation anxiety is Benjamin Comes Back, by Amy Brandt and Janice Lee Porter (Redleaf Press, 1999). Both before and after reading together, talk about your child's feelings. Always be reassuring, explain why this arrangement is going to be good for him or her (he or she will make friends, get to play, etc.), and above all, remain positive. Your child is likely to adopt your outlook. If you have a bad attitude about the child­care situation or your return to work, chances are good that he or she will feel the same.

Another way to ease this big change in your child's life is to get him or her on an adequate sleep schedule at least several days, if not weeks, before the first time at day care, if he or she is not already on one. Grade-school-aged children typically need at least 10 or 11 hours of sleep every night; toddlers and preschoolers need even more. Determine how much time you and your child will need to unhurriedly prepare to leave each morning, and make that your child's wake-up time. Then count backwards from that time, 10, 11, or 12 hours, depending on your child's age and sleep pattern, and make that bedtime. Then keep to that schedule. A regular bedtime every night will help give a sense of security to a child in transition.

Try to spend a few minutes with your child when putting him or her to bed. Sing to him or her, read a book, or just talk (or let him or her talk). Not only will these become cherished moments for both of you, but the dependability of the routine will help him or her deal with feelings of uncertainty about going to day care.

When packing up for day care either the night before or the morning of the first day, you could try having him or her pick out a special item to bring. Be sure to check with the day care director first, to see if there are items they will not allow. A good facility will have space to store this belonging, and should not have a problem with him or her bringing a blanket or a toy that does not pose a hazard to others. If there is a good reason for not letting him or her bring an item, let him or her pick out a picture—or better yet, help him or her make a small photo album or scrapbook—that he or she can look at during the day. Your child may even come up with his or her own ideas for making the first day more enjoyable.

The transition to the new childcare setting may go more smoothly if you can take it in small steps. If possible, consider bringing your child in for an hour or two the first time. Of course, if you are beginning a new job and cannot take time off, staying in the day care center or home with your child will not be an option. One way around this would be to go into the facility or home an hour earlier than you normally would for the first several days, to give your child time to become accustomed to the surroundings. If you do this, however, you will want to move bedtime up an hour as well, so that your child still gets the necessary amount of sleep.

On the big day, when it is time to leave your child with the caregiver and make your way to work, reassure him or her that you will return at a specific time (such as after lunch, after naptime, or some other time that your child will understand). Try, with the caregiver's help, to get him or her interested in an activity. Then you should leave. He or she may show some distress, and it is perfectly all right to give your child a big hug, but it also may be necessary to be firm in explaining that you have to leave. If he or she remains resistant to your leaving, the caregiver should take over and allow you to go. Of course, you can and should contact the childcare provider at least once during the course of the day to see how your child is progressing.

A pattern of separation anxiety may repeat for more than a week or two. It is important not to react strongly to your child's anxiety by becoming impatient with him or her, or by showing that his or her behavior is upsetting you. Keep communicating with the childcare provider to see if your child remains agitated for a good part of the day or if the tears dry up shortly after you leave. If the situation does not seem to resolve itself quickly, and the pattern continues for more than a couple of weeks, it will be necessary to examine the childcare setting to see if there is more than just separation anxiety.

In some cases, it is not your leaving the day care facility that is traumatic for your child, but simply arriving at the center or home with your child triggers the distress. Once a tantrum becomes a regular morning activity, it may be a difficult habit to break. If your child acts out in your presence but calms down once you leave, one possible answer might be to have someone else take your child to day care for several days. Most parents are familiar with the phenomenon of the child who is a little angel for everyone but his or her own mom or dad. Having an third party drop your child off (if you have a close friend or relative who can do this for you) may help to cut off the custom of throwing a fit at the day care door.

Even if your child is adjusting fantastically to the new childcare situation, your continued involvement in his or her day, whenever possible, will help to keep him or her happy and secure at the center or family care home. If your childcare is close to work, perhaps you can have lunch with him or her on the same day or days during the week. Even if it is hard to visit on a regular basis, visiting periodically to bring a special snack to your child or read a book to the class will reinforce that you have not forgotten about him or her just because you are apart.