Water is the key to a healthy start as students prepare to head back to school, according to Island Health. The health authority says children should be hydrated and their best defence against bringing home colds and flus is proper hand washing.
“Get your children into the habit of washing their hands frequently. Make it fun. Sing happy birthday twice while they scrub or find a soap scent that appeals to them,” says Dr. Dee Hoyano, Island Health Medical Health Officer. “There is no better way to prevent colds and the spread of germs in schools and daycares than hand washing.”
Along with a water bottle for hydration, children should also bring two healthy snacks and a well-balanced lunch to feed their active brains and bodies.
“Colour is the most visible indicator that your child’s lunch will successfully support learning,” says Areli Hermanson, Island Health dietitian. “Green and orange vegetables, blue and red fruit, we can tell by just by looking at them that they are packed with vitamins and nutrients.”
Island Health’s dietitian has these tips to make lunches healthy and fun:
- Pack protein: meat & alternatives (i.e. chicken, eggs and lentils)
- Wash and chop vegetables and fruit so they’re ready to eat
- Choose single-serving lower-fat milk, plain yogurt and cheese (not processed)
- Substitute sandwiches with whole grain crackers or mini pitas
Visit Island Health’s Healthy Schools page for more including best start breakfast.