Tips for Preventing Back-to-School Illnesses with Health Coach Nicole Winkler

Understanding Back-to-School Illness Spikes

• 🍎 The transition back to the classroom often leads to a spike in illnesses due to increased close contact among children.
• 🦠 Shared classrooms, common spaces, and school supplies facilitate the spread of germs from one child to another.

Essential Hygiene Practices

• 🧼 Emphasize proper handwashing for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water.
• 🤧 Teach children hygiene tactics like using a tissue or their elbow when sneezing or wiping their nose to minimize germ spread.

Easing the Transition Back to School

• ⏰ Gradually adjust children's schedules by setting earlier bedtimes and wake-up times a few weeks before school starts.
• 🍎 Plan meals and snacks in advance to reduce stress, as stress can contribute to illness.

Protecting Parents from Illness

• 😴 Parents should also maintain healthy habits, including getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, and engaging in physical activity.
• 🏠 Disinfect commonly used areas at home, paying attention to product labels to ensure proper germ-killing times.

Utilizing Teladoc Health

• 🩺 Teladoc Health offers year-round, convenient care, available 24/7 for various needs, including primary care and mental health.
• ⚕️ It serves as a valuable resource for consulting with physicians or experts on the proper next steps for health concerns.