Tips for Staying Healthy During Back-To-School Season

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You would not believe how many times last year that I was sick! I typically am someone who gets maybe one cold a year and no flu. This year was totally different. I had two vomiting illnesses, 3 colds and many times of just feeling under the weather. I strongly believe in getting a flu shot and had that, but still got quite sick. I cannot believe it! I know the reason that I was sick so much: my daughter started school. When kids start school, they bring home so many different germs and illnesses, which often has the entire family getting sick.

I was battling such a bad cold here!

Something that I found to be interesting is that Troy only had one brief cold. Most likely it's because he has been a teacher for 7 years and has been around a lot of germs and illnesses that I had not been around before. I am hoping that this year, my body is more used to being around the germs and that I do not get as sick. It is so tough being sick and having to take care of two young kids and run a business at home.
All this to say that this year, I will be doing everthing that I can to stay healthy as much as possible and have a strong immune system to fight off those nasty germs!

Tips for staying healthy during back-to-school season

1. Wash your hands

As everyone probably knows, washing your hands is the number one way to stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses. I also like keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse and diaper bag for when we cannot wash our hands. At Adalyn's school, they have to wash their hands before snack time and it is so cute to see a bunch of 3-year old's line up and know exactly what to do.

2. Get a good night's rest

Sleep is so important for keeping your immune system strong and fighting off illnesses. Right after Adalyn was born and I wasn't sleeping nearly enough due to caring for a newborn in the night, I got pretty sick twice in a 2 month period. I bet if I had gotten enough sleep, my body could have fought off illness. I personally feel my best when I get right around 8 hours of sleep. I've written about it before that it has always taken me a long time to fall asleep.

When I am struggling to fall asleep, I like to take Nature Made® Melatonin Adult Gummies from Walmart.†​ I don't take these often, but I always travel with some because I find it even harder to fall asleep in different places. They are only 2.5 mg of melatonin per serving, which I like because I don't need a ton to help fall asleep. Just a bit seems to help me and they are great-tasting! Taking melatonin helps your body reset its sleep/wake cycle.†​

3. Eat nutritious foods

As a dietitian, I know how important it is to eat nutritious foods to have a strong immune system. I like eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables and "eating the rainbow". Doing so gives my body the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy.

4. Move your body

I think that exercising regularly keeps your body strong to help fight off germs and illnesses. You wouldn't believe it, but I have recently gotten back into running thanks to my dad asking me to go running once or twice a week. I'm up to 4.6 miles because he pushes me (lol) and I am feeling great. I also love walking and weight lifting along with just general movement such as playing with the kids at the playground, doing chores and running errands.

5. Take vitamins to supplement your diet

I always say that nutrients are best from foods themselves, but I also believe in taking some supplements to ensure that you are meeting your nutrient needs to stay healthy. I love Nature Made® supplements and have been taking them for many years. I like their probiotic, omega-3 and prenatal supplements! Another great one is Nature Made® Vitamin C Chewable Tablets from Walmart to give your body a boost of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps support the immune system and helps neutralize free radicals in the body.†

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† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.