No more sick kids!

How to prepare for a Healthy School Year Even though temperatures are still getting warmer, the days are getting shorter and this means only one thing - summer is coming to a close. With fall right around the corner, now is the time to build the foundation your kids need for a healthy school year.  This means less sick days, less school days missed, less time off of work and hopefully an all around better year in the classroom.     That's why one of the biggest spikes in illness for families happens during the first month of school.  You know the routine - noses start to run, sneezing, sore throats, low grade fevers, congestion...   If you end up in the pediatrician's office, you just surround yourself with more sick people.  Most of the time the doctor prescribes an antibiotic along with cough syrup.   Here's the problem with that - If the infection is viral or mold based, the antibiotic will do more harm than good.  Taking it will contribute to damaging the healthy bacteria living in your gut and predispose you to chronic recurrent infections. Cough syrups contain genetically modified corn sugar and other toxic ingredients that contribute to poorhealth.   The beginning of the school year can be difficult for any child, especially their immune system. They go from basking in the daylight and replenishing their vitamin D levels, to sitting in a classroom for most parts of the day.  These tips below are designed to help you and your family have a safe and healthy school year. Teach children to wash hands frequently with warm soap and water. Children should wash hands for about 20 seconds; roughly equivalent to the time it takes you to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Teach children to sneeze or cough into the inner arms where the elbow bends, instead of directly into their hands, which helps to prevent spreading germs. Before school starts make sure your child is up to date with their dental cleanings, physical exams, eye exams and hearing tests! Remind children of other good hygiene practices – showering daily, remembering to use a tissue, clipping nails etc. Avoid sharing personal items like food, hats and water bottles. Before school starts, get back into the school year routine. Give them a bedtime that allows for adequate amounts of sleep each night. Have a healthy diet. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods, sugar and other artificial ingredients. Before taking certain vitamins like vitamin D, you should have your healthcare provider order a 25-OH-Vitamin D blood test to help you get a more accurate understanding of how supplementation your child needs. Supplements and Herbs to Build up  Your Immune System Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the beneficial bacteria found inside our intestinal tract. They have the ability to stimulate the development and maturation of our immune system cells. Probiotics fromPremier Research Labs are the most effective for immune support Vitamin D plays a critical role in immune response. It assists the body in making well over 200 antimicrobial peptides necessary in fighting off a wide range of infections. Apex Energetics makes a yummy creamy liposomal formula your kids will love! Elderberry (Sambucal)is a herb that has long been used for its ability to boost immune system functions. It has strong anti-viral properties, which make it great for preventing and treating colds and flus. Even better, it can be taken daily, and used more frequently to help fight off an infection when needed. Physica Energeticsmakes an easy to use dropper bottle with added immune boosting herbs. Zinc is a mineral that is essential to our immune system and helps to keep it strong. Research has shown that use of zinc lozenges significantly reduces the duration of the common cold. While it is important to have enough zinc, 15-25mg per day, too much may actually weaken our immune system function Vitamin C (corn free) -Premier Research Labs Not all Vitamin C is what you think!   Are you Currently Using Real, Non-Toxic Vitamin C?  Probably not! About 99% of all vitamin C products on the market today are synthetically made ascorbic acid – or variations such as calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate or potassium ascorbate. Despite marketing claims, these laboratory-produced powders are not natural vitamin C — and far from it. They are chemically synthesized molecules manufactured in a test tube and are often made from genetically modified corn sugar. These synthetic molecules mimic only one component of the multitude of life-supporting nutrient complexes found in real natural vitamin C. Synthetic Ascorbic Acid is not only ineffective, but can also be Toxic! Ascorbic Acid increases the absorption of iron, which leads to free radical production. Free radicals are extremely harmful to the body and are a main cause of chronic and degenerative disease as well as cancer.    Recommended Use: Adults or children: Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily. For special programs, up to 12 capsules can be taken daily.    Bio-Immunozyme Forte - Biotics Research May be used with both chronic and acute-phase immune insufficiency. Good overall protection during COLD and FLU Season.  Have your kids start taking 1 a day for preventation and immune building. Colostrum - Premier Research Labs  Colostrum is especially beneficial for infants, young children and adults who have never been breast-fed.  Ideal Support for the Following: Weakened immune system (especially during pregnancy) Recovery for during or after surgery, injuries and colds/flu Failure to thrive in babies  Functions as a stand-in immune system during immune stress (excellent for elderly patients) Supports regular bowel movements; helps the body overcome loose stool/diarrhea Infants and young children that have never been breastfed Poor Spleen Function – Low white blood cell count and low red blood cell count Poor Breast milk production       Supplements and Herbs for Brain Support Fish Oils contain an omega 3 called Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is critical for brain health and function throughout all stages of life. DHA is important for ongoing brain, eye and heart health.   For Children:  Increased Cognitive Functioning Improved Vision Healthy Blood Vessel Functioning in Children with High Cholesterol Levels Essential for Healthy Mental Development   Key Benefits for Adults: Reduced risk of Alzheimer's dementia May play a role in reducing the risk of certain neurological diseases Decreases the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a major cause of blindness. Essential for Optimal Cardiovascular Health: reduction in triglycerides and an increase HDL levels Increases Brain and Cognitive functioning Improves Mood Karen Johnson is a Certified Naturopathic Pratictitioner (ND) She can be reached at KJ Wellness Solutions for any of your health concerns. KJWellnessSolutions.com 949-400-5455