Healthy Winter Habits

The winter months bring a lot of great seasonal experiences. The holidays, extra family time, festive celebrations, and snow in some regions. Unfortunately, the cooler months can also bring more runny noses, coughs, colds, and minor illnesses

The spread of germs is inevitable this time of year but being proactive helps! Learning Care Group, the parent company of our community of schools, has many policies and procedures in place to keep schools clean and to help combat any illnesses that may arise.

• Classrooms are cleaned daily with a 3-step sanitation process to ensure the effective disinfecting of surfaces.
  
• Every school implements handwashing procedures to ensure children, teachers, staff, and visitors all wash their hands frequently using best practices.
  
• Our child illness procedure ensures we maintain the healthiest environment possible. For more severe illnesses, we follow steps to minimize exposure to any contagious symptoms.

You can help reduce the spread of common wintertime illnesses by doing these 4 things:

Wash, wash, wash!

Washing your child’s hands regularly is the easiest way to keep germs away. Make handwashing fun by singing a silly song, using colorful or scented soaps, or turning it into a game. Play Simon Says to call out various parts of your child’s hands as they scrub.

Allow extra time to rest.

Slowing down and providing opportunities for your child to rest and recharge their bodies will keep them feeling healthy and energized. Snuggling up to read a book or doing a puzzle together are both great ways to relax while continuing to bond.

Get outside.

Even on cooler days, spending time outside in the fresh air can help reduce illness and encourage gross motor development. Go sledding, build a snowman, or try a new type of exercise together. Zumba is a great way to make exercising fun and different. Whatever you do, just keep moving!

Eat healthy meals and snacks.

Filling children’s bodies with healthy foods helps to keep them feeling energized and provides them with the vitamins and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy immune system. Soup season supports that mission deliciously. Cozy up with a warm, hearty bowl of this Grow Fit® recipe:

Stuffed Pepper Soup, Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 15 oz. can tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large green pepper, diced
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown rice, dry
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. cumin, ground
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• ½ tsp. paprika
• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
2. In a large stock pot, sauté onions and peppers with the oil until onions are translucent.
3. For young helpers: Add spices (onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and paprika) to vegetables. Mix well.
4. Move the seasoned mixture to a separate bowl. Use the original pot to brown the ground beef. When it’s cooked, drain the grease.
5. Add the can of tomatoes with juice. Add the peppers and onions back into the pot. Add a pinch of cinnamon. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add the cooked rice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. If you want more liquid, add additional stock.
7. Ladle into bowls to serve.

Remember, children are resilient! Although most minor, seasonal illnesses are inconvenient and common, you can reduce their frequency and severity while supporting faster recovery time by practicing these healthy habits at home—during the winter and all year long. Stay well!