While back-to-school illnesses are usually linked to traditional schools, homeschooling comes with its own set of challenges. Changes in routine and increased activities can expose children to more germs than usual. To keep your kids healthy this school year, try out these tips for boosting their immune systems.

1. Provide healthy and diverse food choices.

We all know that kids can be picky eaters especially when it comes to healthy foods. However, doctors have found that 70-80% of the immune system is in the gut. So, it is important to nourish the body with whole plant foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and give the immune system a helping hand against harmful germs. If your little ones resist eating their greens, try sneaking them into their favorite dishes. For example, coat chicken nuggets in cauliflower instead of breadcrumbs or make fruit-based popsicles.

2. Encourage exercise.

Schedule time in their day for moderate exercise. Whether it is an outdoor science experiment, break time, or after-school sports, exercise is important for overall health. It enhances immune defense by reducing inflammation and regenerating new, healthy cells. It can be easy to become sedentary when schooling at home, so be sure to make time for fun and games.

3. Help them to find ways to ease stress.

School stressors can be more prominent when kids are homeschooled. They may feel like they never escape the school environment. This stress can cause inflammation and weaken their immune response. Arming your children with tools to help manage their stress —whether through meditation, playing a game, or ensuring there is a dedicated (and separate) space for schoolwork — can do wonders for their well-being.

4. Ensure they get enough sleep.

Sleep is essential for replenishing cells and proteins that the body needs to stay healthy. Help your kiddo get enough rest by setting a consistent bedtime routine. Start at the same time each night and follow a few calming steps (such as brushing teeth and reading a book) before tucking them into bed.

5. Teach good hygiene practices.

No matter where you are or how old, practicing good hygiene can help to keep pesky germs away and prevent sickness. Make hygiene more fun for little ones by turning it into a game, like washing hands to a favorite song or pretending to be a vampire when sneezing into an elbow.

Despite your best efforts, your children may still get sick from time to time. When colds and flu strike, try Chestal Kids Syrups and Oscillococcinum. Chestal Kids Cold & Cough Syrup targets both common cough and cold symptoms, including congestion, cough, and minor sore throat in one formula.* Chestal Kids Honey Cough Syrup combines medicines for different kinds of coughs with the goodness of real honey to soothe the throat and loosen chest congestion.* Oscillococcinum reduces the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.**

Back to school season is meant for fun and learning, not battling sicknesses. For more tips on how to keep  healthy this time of year, check out our Wellness Tips blog.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

**These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.