Staying healthy when the kids are sick

Diet

Now is not the time to be on a diet! Rather watch your plate to make sure it’s full of nutritious foods that will protect you and boost your immune system.

• In terms of snacks, avoid heading towards the vending machines or the cafeteria. Always keep foods such as nuts, dried or fresh fruits and vegetables at hand. 
• There’s no such thing as eating too many fruits or veggies to boost your immune system.
• Your mother’s or grandmothers’ famous chicken broth obviously has a comforting role, but it also has real virtues. It helps hydrate and relieve the nasal passages. So start cooking and make your own magic potion… or should we say magic broth ?!
• Never without your vitamin C. So eat plenty of kiwi fruit, oranges, peppers (red or green), broccoli, mangoes, beets and other foods rich in vitamin C.
• Don’t skimp on the yogurt that keeps your intestinal flora - and its good bacteria - in good condition. Choose yogurts with probiotics (such as Activia and Yoptimal) for more efficiency. Know that good bacteria must be renewed daily, so the new adage will be "a yogurt a day keeps the doctor away”. Yogurt also stimulates your immune system.

Sleep

• Go to bed early. Once the kids are in bed, why not do the same?
• If you can do so, taking an afternoon nap allows you to recharge your batteries and optimizes your global health. According to Bruno Comby, author of L’Éloge de la sieste, the power nap allows you to get rid of stress, increase your performance and save time by reducing the duration of your sleep the following night (up to an hour or two).

Water

Go ahead, drink up! In addition to keeping you well hydrated, water “cleans” your body and helps get rid of bacteria and viruses.

Hygiene

Wash your hands as often as possible, but ALWAYS before eating and after going to the bathroom.

• Thorough washing is done with soap in warm water and must last at least fifteen seconds. Buy a big bottle of hand cream if you fear that the frequent washing will damage your hands. Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses (colds, flu, gastroenteritis, etc.).
• Regularly clean your bathroom, a real mecca for germs and bacteria, as it is heated and humid. Put on your rubber gloves and get ready to attack! Add a few drops of essential oils to your soap before pouring it in water to add a fresh scent! (Good to know:  essential oils are not soluble in water unless they are premixed with a dispersant, such as soap!)
• Habit? Maybe! But stop nibbling on your pen right this second! Remember that before you put it in your mouth, it was on your desk, on the coffee table, at the bottom of your bag, etc.! And knowing that most viruses enter the body through the mouth, imagine how many germs you’re letting in through that simple habit!
• Multiply the number of garbage bins around the house instead of having to pick up used tissues everywhere.
• Clean your nails at least once a day. You’d be surprised to know what can hide under there!
• Take care of your nose. If you use nasal drops made of sea water, such as HydraSense, to unblock your child’s nose, it may be wise to use them for you too if you have a stuffy nose. There are several sizes available, ranging from infants to adults, so it’s always good to have one at hand for when congestion knocks on your door. It’s also a great way to moisturize your nose’s mucous membranes. Dry mucous membranes are more vulnerable to viruses.

Air

Quick, fresh air! Ventilate your home when your sick children are not there to fight against dry air. Viruses love the warmth of homes and offices,  where people are confined. Ventilate every room daily for at least 15 minutes, even in extreme cold.

• Moisten the air. Use a humidifier or place bowls of water near radiators.
• Lower the temperature during the night. Overheating rooms dries and weakens the mucous membranes. No more than 19 ° C: see to it!
• If you’re a smoker, reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke. You won’t block your airways as much.
• Diffuse some eucalyptus oil around the house, which is very effective against colds. As soon as doubtful symptoms appear, make a steam inhalation with eucalyptus to clear your airways and prevent viruses from multiplying.

Vaccine

Is your child’s health record up-to-date? Check it right now. Vaccination prevents the risk of diseases that can keep an entire family in bed for days!

Mental

Take care of yourself! You’ve blown three little noses, comforted the youngest in the middle of the night, stroked the eldest’s back and read a dozen stories to the twins? It’s now time to take an hour or two just for you before completely running out of energy. Get rid of stress, breath in and get back in the game with newfound energy! Practice your favourite sports and be active. Being fit won’t immunize you, but it will certainly help you manage everything coming your way.