Keeping Your Kids Healthy During the School Year: Tips from an Algonquin Pediatrician

The school year brings excitement, new learning, and, unfortunately, often a few sniffles and coughs. We all want our children to thrive academically and socially, and a big part of that is staying healthy. To ensure our kids' health, Salud Pediatrics offers essential advice on how to keep your kids feeling their best from the first bell to summer break.

Boost Immunity: A strong immune system is your child's first line of defense against the common bugs circulating in schools. It’s not just about avoiding germs; it's about building resilience. One key way to bolster your child's immune system is to ensure your child gets a  flu vaccine every year and ensure your child is up-to-date on all recommended  immunizations. These are crucial for protecting against serious diseases and preventing outbreaks.

Fuel Their Bodies and Minds: What your child eats directly impacts their energy levels, concentration, and yes, their ability to fight off illness. A balanced diet is fundamental.

• Taste the Rainbow: Encourage a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Each color offers different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for health. Make it fun by letting them choose a new fruit or veggie each week.
• Hydration is Key: Water, water, water! Send a reusable water bottle to school and encourage sips throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and make children more susceptible to illness.
• Limit Processed Foods & Sugars: These can suppress the immune system and lead to energy crashes. Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats instead. Pack homemade snacks to control ingredients.

Sleep - The Unsung Hero of Health: In our busy lives, sleep often gets overlooked, but it's perhaps one of the most critical components of a child's health and well-being. A lack of adequate sleep can significantly weaken the immune system and impair cognitive function. Tips for promoting healthy sleep habits:

• Consistent Bedtime Routine: Establish a regular bedtime and stick to it, even on weekends. This helps regulate their internal body clock.
• Create a Relaxing Environment: Ensure their bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Limit screen time (phones, tablets, TVs) at least an hour before bed.
• Adequate Sleep Duration: The amount of sleep needed varies by age, but generally, school-aged children need 9-12 hours per night.

Illness Prevention: Practical Steps to Stay Healthy

Even with the best immunity, nutrition, and sleep, germs are a reality. However, there are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce the chances of your child getting sick and spreading illness.

Our Algonquin pediatrician's top prevention tips include:

• Handwashing Heroes: Teach and reinforce proper handwashing techniques. It’s the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom or coughing/sneezing.
• Cough & Sneeze Etiquette: Teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands. This helps contain respiratory droplets.
• Avoid Touching the Face: Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is a common way for germs to enter the body.
• Stay Home When Sick: This is perhaps the most important prevention strategy for the entire school community. If your child has a fever, persistent cough, vomiting, or diarrhea, they need to stay home until symptoms resolve and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

Salud Pediatrics Is Here to Help!

If your child is sick, we're here to help! We have been a fixture of the Algonquin and Chicagoland community for nearly two decades, conveniently located at 600 S Randall Rd Ste 220, Algonquin, IL 60102. 

Call us at (847) 854-9402 to book an appointment!

We prioritize sick child visits and make every effort to schedule appointments for them on the very day that you call us. To help us manage patient flow efficiently and minimize the time you spend waiting in our office, we request that you call our office ahead of time before bringing your child in. If you have a medical emergency during our regular office hours, please know that we are prepared to act quickly; we will do our absolute best to see your child immediately or provide you with an appropriate referral to a suitable medical facility that can provide the necessary immediate care.

Is Your Child Sick

Not sure if your child's upset stomach requires a trip to the doctor or just bed rest? Salud Pediatrics offers a convenient, online resource for those moments when you're unsure if it's simply a sniffle or something that requires a visit with our pediatricians. Use our Is Your Child Sick tool at home to quickly learn about common health concerns and effective home remedies. And remember, if you need to reach us, we're always just a phone call away!

Our Pediatricians

We strive to provide a comprehensive healthcare experience for all families who choose us as their pediatric center. Our dedicated team is made up of experienced pediatricians, clinicians, and staff, all committed to the well-being of your child and your family. Learn more about our team, their backgrounds, and their accomplishments, and then reach out to us to schedule an appointment today!