Start Healthy, Finish Strong - Back to School
Back to School…
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Most of the schools surrounding us are either already back in session or will be headed back soon. For many students, it’s fun to head back to the schoolroom where they will reconnect with their friends, learn new things, and rejoin all of the many after-school programs available.
Here are some suggestions to help you and your student succeed in the classroom and stay healthy throughout the year:
Get bedtime back on track. Start your day by being sure your children are getting a good night’s sleep. Set a bedtime that is right for your children and stick to it. Typically summer is filled with fun activities - vacations, amusement parks, summer camp, and sleepovers. Being able to sleep in and get up when we want becomes normal, making it easy for bedtime to get shifted around. A good night’s sleep is critical for easier learning and staying awake in class.
To help reset the circadian rhythms, our waking and sleeping patterns, go outside in the evenings and watch the sun go down.
Even better, make sure everyone is barefoot, feet touching the ground, as you watch the sun make its descent.
Watching the sun go down resets our circadian rhythm and helps us get sleepy as it grows dark. Grounding, or going barefoot, helps us recharge our batteries so to speak, and gets rid of negative feelings. I can’t see the sun itself going down in my backyard because of the tree line, but I can still watch as the sunset filters light through the trees and the sky darkens.
Putting electronic devices away at a set time is very helpful. Two hours before bedtime is a good recommendation as the blue light from smart devices and computers also interrupts our circadian rhythm and makes it hard to sleep. Plus, smart devices should be at least 20 feet away from the bed in order to get a peaceful night’s sleep as they give off subtle energy that can disrupt sleep.
Cut the C.R.A.P.
CRAP foods lead to a weakened immune system, poor digestion, constipation and diarrhea, respiratory issues, foggy thinking, poor brain function, and more! It may be convenient, but if it’s CRAP, it’s tearing down our kids and their health rather than building them up.
What do we mean by C.R.A.P.? We mean unnecessary Chemicals, Refined sugar & flour, Artificial ingredients, and harmful Preservatives and food coloring. Carbonated sodas are CRAP. Snack cakes are CRAP. Heck, even some of our “healthy” snacks are CRAP if they are filled with refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, additives, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. Typically, the easier those ingredients are to pronounce, the better.
Plan and shop for healthy, protein-rich breakfasts and lunches for those who take their lunch. I know I get so busy sometimes, and I forget to plan ahead. Making sure you have plenty of healthy food choices already on hand can be a huge stress reliever. I’ve included some healthy snack ideas below.
Believe it or not, another health tip for kids is to make sure the straps of backpacks are already fitted properly before heading out the door for school.
Ill-fitting backpacks cause extra stress and tension in the neck and back and affect posture.
Poor posture adds strain to the muscles and bones, but also to the lungs and heart.
Along with these helpful reminders, here’s another one. Help build your child’s immune system, brain power and digestive health with supplements. These can help your child stay healthy and focused and have a great year.
VS-C by Nature’s Sunshine Products can be taken as a preventative. Taking it before the cold or flu starts spreading helps boost the immune system and makes us strong so that we can fight off germs. If someone in the family does get sick, it can be taken to knock the cold or the flu out too! I also like to have Plus, I like to have Sambucol Elderberry on hand to help build the immune system.
Fish Oils or Flax Oils are essential fatty acids that are great for eye health and brain health. Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids are known to support learning including improved reading ability, spelling, behavior, attention, and reduced hyperactivity and aggression.
Probiotics are the friendly flora that lives in our digestive system and help keep us healthy. They are the good guys helping keep the bad guys under control so our kids (and we) have fewer allergies, better digestion, and fewer sick days.
If your child is having problems with digestion or maybe she isn’t eating as healthy as you would like, Digestive Enzymes are a great option! Our health begins in the digestive system. “We are what we eat” isn’t just a cute saying. It’s packed full of truth. When kids, and adults, can’t digest their foods properly, they don’t get the nutrients they need to keep their brains sharp and their immune systems strong.
Vitamin C is well known for boosting our immune systems and keeping them strong so that we can overcome colds and flu. I really like the Nordic Natural Brand for kids.
Focus Attention by Nature’s Sunshine Products help our kids have sharper focus, longer attention spans, and improved cognitive function.
Calm Gummies by Natural Vitality is magnesium in gummy form. Magnesium is excellent for anxiety and stress, helps with sleep, as well as helping relieve muscle stiffness.
Here are some healthy snack ideas for kids and adults. These are YUMMY!
Healthy snacks for kids
Avocado and turkey slices
Bananas and almond butter or apple slices and peanut butter
Cottage cheese with fruit
Greek yogurt - sorry folks, most of the yogurt products geared towards kids have added sugar that negates the health benefits that Greek yogurt offers. Use Greek Yogurt and sweeten with fresh fruit or raw honey. Raw local honey has the added benefit of supporting a healthy respiratory system.
Veggies and hummus - carrots, celery sticks, sliced cucumber and zucchini chips are great for dipping in hummus.
