As school bells start ringing again, cold and flu season is also just around the corner. And the anticipation of a new academic year may bring a whirlwind of emotions for the whole family. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from illnesses and excess stress.
Let’s discuss how to prepare for flu season and what back-to-school health precautions you should take for a healthy, happy year. Plus, we’ll cover mental and emotional health tips for school students and the whole family.
The importance of knowing how to prepare for flu season
Recent flu seasons have been relatively mild, especially compared to pre-2020 trends. But as cases in the Southern Hemisphere have soared this year, experts anticipate a surge in flu cases in the Northern Hemisphere, as well.
According to David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, everyone aged 6 months and older can be susceptible to the flu. But older adults are particularly at risk of experiencing complications, with the CDC noting that a staggering 70% to 90% of annual flu fatalities occur in those over 65. Those with underlying health conditions–such as heart disease or diabetes–also have an increased risk of suffering severe complications like heart attacks.
Given these statistics, it’s crucial for everyone–especially those at higher risk–to take preventive measures. If your child is infected with the flu and you live with elderly adults or anyone with an impaired immune system–such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or people with HIV–you’ll need to be extra careful.
The flu causes thousands of deaths each year, and it can spread before you even know you’re infected–about one to two days before any symptoms appear. Contagiousness is usually over within a week, but resulting infection can cause a spectrum of problems ranging from mild to severe illness and even death. So make sure to protect yourself and your family adequately.
Back-to-school health precautions
To keep children and everyone in your household safe, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (JHCC) experts recommend these precautions:
- Equip students with masks that have at least two layers of closely-knit fabric, ensuring they fit snugly, covering both the nose and mouth.
- Avoid exposing your child to people showing signs of illness, if possible.
- Teach your child to cover his or her nose and mouth with a tissue or the inner elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently.
- Speak directly with your child’s school regarding their specific safety guidelines.
Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that all students from grades K-12 wear masks at school, even if they’ve been fully vaccinated.
While historically, study results surrounding the efficacy of masks have been mixed, a large-scale 2021 review indicated that mask-wearing does help prevent the spread of viruses. In fact, thanks to these health precautions, the number of pediatric deaths dropped significantly from 199 in the 2019–2020 flu season to just one in the 2021-2022 season.
Health tips for parents and school students
- Always wash your hands before and after attending to your child.
- Clean high-touch surfaces at home frequently.
- Check that your child’s school cleans surfaces regularly and stocks hygiene essentials like hand sanitizer.
- Know the school’s protocols for handling ill students and staff, and their absentee policies.
- Boost your family’s immunity with a nutrient-dense diet, rich in foods like mushrooms, kale, broccoli, and oranges. These foods provide vitamins D, C, and E, which support the body’s natural defenses.
- For extra protection, consider supplementing with vitamins D, C, and E to boost your immune system.
Mental and emotional back-to-school health tips
As kids gear up for back-to-school, it’s not just about physical health. JHCC experts emphasize that their emotional well-being matters too, urging parents to discuss both safety and feelings openly.
It’s a good idea to regularly check in on how children are feeling. According to Dr. Andrea Young, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, simple questions like, “How do you feel about heading back to school?” can open up valuable discussions. If children seem reserved or overwhelmed, it’s essential to delve deeper into their feelings.
And if you notice signs of irritability, anxiety, or prolonged sadness, check in with your pediatrician or mental health specialist, Dr. Young says. She also suggests being mindful of your own emotions to ensure you don’t inadvertently pass on any extra anxiety to your kids.
You can also support your family’s mental and emotional health by gradually adjusting your children’s bedtime leading up to their first day of school. Start by moving bedtime up 10 minutes earlier each night, helping them adapt to earlier wake-up times. This not only ensures your children get the rest they need for optimal learning and concentration, but also promotes their mental and emotional well-being, setting a positive tone for the academic year ahead.
As we approach the new school year and flu season, your family’s health is a top priority. By embracing and consistently applying these back-to-school health precautions, not only can you protect your loved ones from illnesses, but you can also create an environment of productivity, well-being, and happiness all year long.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20influenza%20seasons%20prior,hospitalizations%20in%20the%20second%20wave.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2021-2022.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/flusight/flu-forecasts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20influenza%20seasons%20prior,hospitalizations%20in%20the%20second%20wave.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-31/fauci-warns-of-a-bad-flu-season-brewing-as-he-nears-office-exit
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8499874/
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/seniors/65-and-older-matte.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC387426/
https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/pedfludeath.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7300634/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7362323/
The post Back to School Health Precautions: How to Prepare for Flu Season appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic actually mean?
Holistic means whole-based. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. This is not always easy because we are used to seeing things as separate parts.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. In reality, there are infinite shades of grey.
When working on a project, you should try to view it from multiple angles. Take a look at it from every angle.
It is important to see how the pieces fit together. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Don’t forget about the effects of any change that you make.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care stands out from Alternative Medicine as it focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
What treatments are not included in holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not the symptoms. It aids in the recovery of illness by promoting good health and preventing future ones.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine includes lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, and bodywork techniques.
Integrative medicine, also known as Holistic Medicine, integrates all aspects a patient’s mental, physical, and emotional needs into one comprehensive treatment plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes early detection and prevention of disease, and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there is no single cause for any given condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic physicians work closely with their patients to determine what will best meet their individual needs.
What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Experts agree that CAM can help with many ailments, even though we still have a lot to learn about its effectiveness.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to deal when your girlfriend trusts an alternative medicine.
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. However, there is very little information on alternative medicine and how to deal with them.
There seems to be a wide divide between these two groups. There are two types of people: those who doubt conventional medicine and those who are open to its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What can you say to your spouse when he tells him he prefers to see an Acupuncturist over his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
However, how can you ask such difficult questions without offending him What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Tell him that he should not trust anyone.
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? You should tell her she is wrong.
This is where the conversation gets tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
You could also suggest she see a psychiatrist. This might cause more problems that it solves. She may be furious at you for suggesting such a thing. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
What should you do?
–
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Back to School Health Precautions: How to Prepare for Flu Season
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/family/preparing-kids-to-go-back-to-school/
Published Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2023 03:09:57 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does holistic actually mean?
Holistic means whole-based. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. This is not always easy because we are used to seeing things as separate parts.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. In reality, there are infinite shades of grey.
When working on a project, you should try to view it from multiple angles. Take a look at it from every angle.
It is important to see how the pieces fit together. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Don’t forget about the effects of any change that you make.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care stands out from Alternative Medicine as it focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
What treatments are not included in holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not the symptoms. It aids in the recovery of illness by promoting good health and preventing future ones.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine includes lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, and bodywork techniques.
Integrative medicine, also known as Holistic Medicine, integrates all aspects a patient’s mental, physical, and emotional needs into one comprehensive treatment plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes early detection and prevention of disease, and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there is no single cause for any given condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic physicians work closely with their patients to determine what will best meet their individual needs.
What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Experts agree that CAM can help with many ailments, even though we still have a lot to learn about its effectiveness.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to deal when your girlfriend trusts an alternative medicine.
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. However, there is very little information on alternative medicine and how to deal with them.
There seems to be a wide divide between these two groups. There are two types of people: those who doubt conventional medicine and those who are open to its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What can you say to your spouse when he tells him he prefers to see an Acupuncturist over his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
However, how can you ask such difficult questions without offending him What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Tell him that he should not trust anyone.
Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn’t believe so? You should tell her she is wrong.
This is where the conversation gets tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
You could also suggest she see a psychiatrist. This might cause more problems that it solves. She may be furious at you for suggesting such a thing. Or, she may believe you are trying control her life.
What should you do?
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