Body endurance Children need to be looked after and strengthened, especially in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is important because children can also catch the Corona virus and pass it on to others.
COVID-19 in children is not much different from adults. Some are asymptomatic, some have symptoms, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Although not as high as the death rate for adults, the child mortality rate due to COVID-19 in Indonesia is also not small.
In addition to implementing health protocols, one way to protect children from Corona virus infection is to strengthen their immune system.
Various Ways to Increase Children's Endurance in a Pandemic Period
There are various ways to increase your child's immune system that you can do to make your little one's immune system strong, including:
1. Give children healthy and nutritious food
Providing nutritious food is the key in increasing the child's immune system. Try to always supplement his nutritional intake with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Choose foods that are rich in antioxidants, because these substances can maintain the immune system.
Carrots, oranges, and strawberries are also known to be good for boosting a child's immune system. Give your little one fresh fruit or vegetables, free of chemicals and preservatives. In addition, make sure that the portion of food that you give is not excessive.
2. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can inhibit the production of cytokines, which are proteins that fight infection and reduce inflammation. This condition can make your little one's immune system weaken. Therefore, make sure your little one gets enough sleep.
The following is the ideal bedtime for children based on their age:
- 3-5 years old: 10–13 hours
- Ages 6–13 years: 9–11 hours
- Ages 14–17: 8–10 hours
3. Make sure the child is actively moving
Get used to your little one to exercise and inculcate this habit from an early age to maintain his health and fitness. Research shows that moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day can improve the performance of the immune system.
There are many types of sports that you can do with your little one and the whole family, including cycling, jogging, or playing ball.
4. Teach children to wash their hands diligently
About 80 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted by hand. Therefore, teach your little one to always wash their hands after sneezing, coughing, touching objects or taking something from outside the house, also after using the bathroom.
Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can remove bacteria and viruses and reduce the chance of developing lung infections by up to 45 percent.
5. Choose herbal ingredients to increase endurance awant
In addition to some of the ways above, Mother can also give natural ingredients to your little one to consume, so that his immune system works well. Here are some natural ingredients that can strengthen a child's immune system:
Ginger
Ginger is an herbal plant that is known to be rich in benefits, including relieving pain, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, ginger also contains antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory which can increase children's immune system and prevent various diseases.
Meniran leaves
Meniran leaf is an herbal plant that grows in the tropics. The leaves, stems, and flowers are often used as raw material for supplements. Meniran leaves contain phytochemicals which can fight bacteria and viruses, and reduce inflammation.
Honey
Honey contains various nutrients needed by children's bodies, ranging from enzymes, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, B vitamins, and vitamin C. Antioxidants and vitamin C play an important role in increasing the child's immune system to fight harmful germs that enter the body.
However, avoid giving honey if your little one is under 1 year old.
If you don't have time to process the natural ingredients above, you can give your little one herbal products that contain these ingredients. However, to be safe, make sure the supplement or product you choose has been registered with BPOM.
In the midst of the high rate of transmission of COVID-19, mothers need to be more vigilant and pay attention to the health of their little ones. Apply the various ways to increase the child's immune system above and comply with the applicable health protocols. If there is a problem with your little one's health, immediately consult a doctor immediately on line or by taking him directly to the doctor, yes, Bun!
