It's Okay To Be Praning! How You Can Help Prevent Kids From Getting Sipon and Ubo When Playing

As parents, it’s reasonable to worry about our child’s health and safety–even more so during this time when we are all staying at home and following social distancing measures.

But, of course, being cooped up indoors doesn’t mean letting kids watch TV, eat, and play with gadgets all day. Active play remains an essential part of their growth and development. It’s up to us parents to encourage kids to do physical activities, such as through exercise, games, and household chores every day, whether inside the house or in the backyard.

Supervise them while they play to ensure they don’t hurt themselves. For an added layer of protection (and peace of mind), apply measures that can help boost their immune system.

Below are some tips to help protect them from viral and bacterial infections that cause sipon and ubo:

1. Wipe the sweat off your child’s back.

Our moms and lolas have cautioned us repeatedly about not letting sweat dry on children’s backs because it can cause pneumonia. It’s an old wives’ tale–but there might just be a grain of truth in it.

Medical experts explained that the rhinovirus, or the cold virus, is said to replicate faster in cooler environments. Sweating, which is the body’s mechanism to regulate temperature, and, although indirectly, the “cold draft” coming in from the environment that can dry the sweat may contribute to this.

In short, while sweating alone can’t cause colds, it may weaken the immune system and might make the child more vulnerable to the cold virus.

2. Arm your child with good hygiene habits.

After spending an afternoon playing in the backyard, ask your children to clean themselves up, whether by handwashing or bathing and changing into clean clothes–yes, even if they’ve already bathed or showered in the morning.

Bathing or showering cleans the body thoroughly, while handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the risk of infection. When cleaning the hands, but soap and water aren’t available, use rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizers. Remember to ask kids to wash their hands before and after eating, too!

3. Make sure your child gets enough sleep.

Having no classes is no excuse to stay up way past bedtime. Well-rested kids are healthy kids, so maintain proper sleeping habits. Sleep not only helps make kids grow taller; it also contributes to their overall health, growth, and development. A certified sleep consultant recommends 12 hours of sleep overnight.

4. Give your child plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet.

Keeping children hydrated and well-fed can also help boost their immune system. Kids must drink at least five glasses of water per day. For variety, you can flavor water naturally by adding mint leaves, lemongrass, or a bit of lemon juice.

Meanwhile, a balanced diet means getting their fill of Go, Grow, and Glow foods according to the recommended daily nutritional needs for your children’s age. It also means incorporating a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables into their diet.

Don’t forget, too, to give them age-appropriate milk that contains vitamins and nutrients suitable for their age group and can help strengthen their immune system and give protection, like NIDO 3+ and NIDO 5+.

NIDO 3+ and NIDO 5+ have a new and improved formulation specially designed by experts to address the growing-up needs and nutrient gaps of Filipino toddlers and preschoolers ages 3 to 5. NIDO 3+ and NIDO 5+ are packed with nutrients such as DHA, LA, and ALA for the brain; PREBIO3® fiber to support healthy digestion, increased level of immunity nutrients (Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, selenium), and other essential nutrients that support children’s overall growth and development. Give your kids two glasses of NIDO 3+ or NIDO 5+ per day to get these benefits.

So, moms and dads, follow these tips to help strengthen your child’s immune system even as they play.

NIDO 3+ and Nido 5+ are available via Lazada, Shopee, and GoodFood. For more information, follow NIDO 3+ on Facebook.

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