Local physician shares tips for a healthy and successful school year
Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As students head back to school, so do the germs, and doctors are urging families to be proactive in keeping their children healthy.
Crowded classrooms and sharing supplies make it easy for viruses like the flu, RSV, and the common cold to spread.
Dr. Kristina Diaz, the President of Onvida Health Medical Group, says, “Kids like to share everything; water bottles, lollipops, candies, and their lunches. Just chat with your child about the importance that you’re not putting things in places where you’re exchanging saliva.”
She says the best defense starts with the basics like regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.
“That’s the quickest way we can transfer bacteria into our bodies. The other way, if you’re going to touch your face really try to wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer, of course be careful not to get the hand sanitizer in your eyes,” Dr. Diaz adds.
She also recommends parents remind their kids to cough or sneeze in their elbows and that not sharing is also caring, some simple steps that can stop germs in their tracks.
“Best advice I can give parents as we return to school is really to encourage your kid to do all the things we already know, but they just need those reminders. If we all collectively can do that, it’ll decrease the amount of cooties that end up at the schools that we have to continue to fight for several months actually once they start getting shared,” Dr. Diaz explained.
Doctors also recommend to keep your child at home if they’re feeling sick and to not underestimate the power of rest and a healthy diet, both can boost the immune system and help kids stay well through the school year.