Schools Are Opening: Parents' Concerns and Expert Advice
With the days until the start of school approaching, parents are worried about their children, especially those who will start school for the first time, wondering if they will get sick. Experts have made statements on this subject. Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Dicle Çelik has made some important suggestions to strengthen children's immune systems during the school year.
The healthier our immune system is, the more resistant we are to infectious diseases. Here are the essential elements for a strong immune system:
- The mother should have a healthy pregnancy and a balanced diet,
- Preferring normal vaginal birth,
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and, if possible, continuing breastfeeding until the age of 2. In case of breast milk deficiency, use of probiotic-rich follow-on milks.
- The “First 1000 Days” period is extremely important. This covers the period from the moment the baby is conceived to the age of 2, and care should be taken to follow a natural diet that does not contain additives.
- Vaccines should be administered completely and in accordance with the child's age,
- Consuming foods containing probiotics such as homemade kefir, yogurt, pickles, tarhana, turnip juice and boza strengthens the immune system by increasing the friendly bacteria in the intestines.
- If possible, avoid using antibiotics for the first two years.
- Regular vitamin D supplementation should be given for the first two years and continued as needed thereafter.
- Providing children with opportunities to play outdoors and in the fresh air,
- Eating foods that do not contain additives and preservatives,
- Encouraging children to do active sports,
- Establish regular sleep habits; It should not be forgotten that growth hormones are secreted during deep sleep, especially after midnight,
- Compliance with hygiene rules; personal cleanliness is one of the cornerstones of a strong immune system. When it comes to hygiene in children, the first things that come to mind are hand washing, brushing teeth, bathing and toilet hygiene.
When Will Schools Open?
Upper Respiratory Diseases Are On The Rise
The frequency of upper respiratory tract diseases in children is increasing, especially with the opening of schools. Therefore, regular ventilation of classrooms, cleaning of toys in nurseries and kindergartens, not sending sick children to school and not spending long periods of time indoors during the winter months are of great importance in breaking the disease chain.
Should You Take Vitamin Supplements?
I do not recommend that every child who is new to school should definitely take vitamins or immunosuppressive drugs. Each child should be evaluated based on their own health status and needs; it would be best to consult a pediatrician at this point. However, it is recommended that they take vitamin D regularly, consume fish 1-2 days a week, take omega-3 supplements in children who do not consume fish, and give zinc supplements to children with zinc deficiency.
