Keep your kids healthy during the holiday season

1. Choose healthy snacks. While you may not be able to control the goodies your child eats at grandma’s house or during the school field trip, you can control what they eat at home or while on the go with you. Pick up some portable apple sauces and fruit cups and keep them on hand at home and on the go.

2. Limit the sweet snacks. In order to prevent tooth decay for your child, consider limiting the amount of sweets you have in your home. Separate the candy so you only have so much available during the week or month.

You might also want to read: Top 5 Ways to celebrate an South African Christmas 

3. Learn to say no. It’s hard to bypass family and friends during the holidays, but if you are constantly on the go, it will take a toll on your child’s health. Chances are they will not be getting enough sleep, which can make them groggy, weaken their immune system, and even impact their ability to focus at school. When someone invites you to do something, look at the rest of your schedule before making a commitment.

4. Stay active. Although it may seem like bouncing from one house and activity to the next is enough to keep you and your child fit during the holidays, it’s not. Be sure that your child is still getting plenty of exercise. Keep them involved in after school activities that get them moving. If they’re not involved in something, then be sure you do something with them that keeps them active. Maybe you can go walk around town or the local mall to look at the holiday displays.

5. Take preventative measures. During the holidays, your child will be exposed to more people and places than usual. This means they are around more germs. In order to keep your child healthy, be sure to take all the preventative measures you can. For instance, be sure they are up to date on all their immunizations. Take this time to talk with your child’s doctor and see if they should get a flu shot or any other immunization that could keep them healthy during the holidays.