How to keep kids healthy through winter

Children can catch between five and 10 colds a year, which is why it’s important to support their immune health all year round.

Most adults catch a cold every now and then, but kids can suffer through up to 10 colds a year.

Why? Because they haven’t yet built broad immunity to the hundreds of cold viruses that circulate in our environment.

No matter how much you love your children, a house full of coughing and sniffling little ones is no one’s idea of fun.

Which makes helping to strengthen the body’s natural defence system key.

Here’s a few smart steps to help keep the bugs at bay:

1. Serve more veggies and fruit

Nutrition plays a key role in bolstering children’s defences against infection.

Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli all contain vitamin C, which has been found to help prevent the common cold for people exposed to sickness-inducing environments.

Vitamin C can also help lower the duration and severity of the common cold.

2. Boost sleep time

People who don’t get enough sleep are more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, say scientists.

Sleep guidelines for kids in Australia suggest toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of good-quality sleep and pre-schoolers require 10 to 13 hours.

For those aged five to 13, an uninterrupted nine to 11 hours is recommended.

3. Get outside and play

It might sound counterintuitive to have kids running around outdoors when it’s cold and gloomy, but research has found exercise can help the immune system find and deal with pathogens (organisms that cause disease).

High physical activity in young children also seems to have positive effects on the immune system by altering auto antigen-induced immune activity.

4. Remember good hygiene

While guarding against the spread of germs might not technically support your child’s immune health, it’s a great way to reduce stress on their immune system.

Make sure kids wash their hands often (with soap!), keep surfaces clean at home and pack the disposable wipes for quick clean ups when you’re out and about.

5. A little extra immune support

We know kids can be fussy eaters, and when wanting to fill nutritional gaps, sometimes you just need a little extra support for immune system health.

Swisse Kids Immune Gummies have been formulated to support healthy growth and development in children, while providing that extra support for young immune systems.

It’s a targeted formula with ingredients like zinc and vitamin C to support the immune system in fighting illness.

And best of all, Swisse Gummies are great tasting and 99.9 per cent sugar free, with no artificial colours or flavours.

* This post is brought to you by Swisse Kids Immune Gummies. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

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