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Peninsula Kids
Home»Health»What you need to know to keep your child healthy this winter
Health

What you need to know to keep your child healthy this winter

Updated:August 5, 20214 Mins Read
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By Trung Nguyen, Pharmacist

Winter is well and truly underway. Whilst the idea of hot chocolates, cozy fires and living in
sweatpants sounds extremely appealing, a child suffering from a cold is certainly not. And
for many parents, this is unfortunately the reality of winter.

Why are colds more common in winter?

We’ve all been told to “rug up or you might catch a cold” during winter. Concerned parents
around the globe repeat this year on year and yet the average person probably has no idea
why a cold is more common in winter. During winter, shorter daylight hours means children
may be running low on Vitamin D. There is growing evidence to show Vitamin D may be
responsible for strengthening the immune system. Also, because we spend more time
inside, it’s easier for colds to spread between individuals. But importantly, it’s because the
cold air affects our first line of defense – our nasal passages. Our noses constantly secrete
mucus, however the cold air cools the nasal passage and slows down the mucus clearance
making it easier for bacteria to get into our bodies.

Luckily, there are plenty of steps parents can take to keep their child’s immunity up and help
them to avoid catching a nasty cold this winter.

Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are important for keeping your child’s immune system strong. A rule
of thumb: eat the rainbow! Colourful fruits and vegetables will give your kids all the
nutrients, vitamins and energy they need to stay healthy. More than that, stock the house
with healthy convenient snacks so it’s easy for child to reach for them. If your child, like
most, isn’t a fan of vegetables, try chopping them up very finely and putting them into a
delicious lasagna or pasta bake. Fresh juices are another way to increase your child’s fruit
intake.

Wash those hands

Hand hygiene is especially important during the winter months, given it’s more likely for the
common cold to spread rapidly. A great idea is to buy a few small bottles of hand sanitiser
and pop them in your child’s schoolbag or lunchbox. Ideally, your child should be washing
their hands with soap and warm water before eating, but we all know this doesn’t always
happen. Therefore, a hand sanitiser can be helpful in encouraging best practice hand
hygiene. A staple includes Chemists’ Own’s Instant Hand Sanitiser.

Drink lots of water

When your child is sick with cold and flu symptoms such as a runny nose or a fever, their
body loses water, which can result in dehydration. Hydration is pivotal in fighting off illness,

therefore it’s super important that you keep up your child’s water intake high. If you
struggle to get your child to drink water, try infusing it with lemon or lime to entice them.

Consider adding these staples to your medicine cabinet

Oftentimes, your child coming down with a cold is inevitable. Cough is very common in
children. So, the following are some simple suggestions for you.

Avoid cigarettes: Cigarette smoke will make the cough worse, so it is essential that you do
not expose your child to smoke.

Honey: This is a natural remedy to a dry and sore throat, especially due to its effective
soothing properties. If your child is experiencing a dry throat, try giving them a small
teaspoon of honey.

Cough syrup: Sometimes your child might need some temporary relief from bronchial
congestion in the form of a soothing cough syrup. A good option for this is Chemists’ Own
Children’s Natural Cough Mixture
, because not only does it help to treat mucus and chesty
coughs, but it’s sugar, alcohol and colour free.

Chest balm: A well-known cult favorite amongst parents everywhere is Vicks VapoRub – 
this miracle balm helps to improve muscle aches, nasal congestion and symptoms of cold
and flu. Simply spread a small amount on your child’s chest before they go to sleep.

Antiseptic cream: In the event that anyone in your family needs to reach for some antiseptic
cream to treat a minor cut, burn or abrasion – which isn’t uncommon on winter adventures
make sure you have a tube on hand. A good option is Betadine First Aid Cream, as you can
pick it up from your local supermarket or pharmacy. An antiseptic cream is critical in wound
care, as it works to prevent bacterial infections.

Saline spray: When your child is experiencing dry nasal passages from things like dust and
pollen during the winter, it can be helpful to stock your medicine cabinet with a bottle of
saline nasal solution to help your child breathe easier. A good option is Chemists’ Own
Saline Nasal Spray
, as it can be used by the whole family – from infants through to adults, as
well as whilst breastfeeding.

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that you get tested should you be
experiencing symptoms of cold and flu such as a fever, runny nose or loss of taste and smell.

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Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston! When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event! —————————————————————————— #southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids @southsidefestivalfrankston
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In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions. Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia. Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare. You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au @rch.foundation
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Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research. How can people get involved: Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May) Donate by calling 1800 423 444 Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures. @breastcancertrials
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One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids. https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
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Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌 This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday! How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩 Have you sent your entry in? IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy. FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 @chocolate.grove —————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
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The piggest news is about to drop! 🐷 Be among the first to hear the squeal-worthy scoop, in just a few days time! Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Do you think Peppa and George will have a baby brother or sister? Drop your guess in the comments below! #expectingPigChanges #PeppaPigNewBaby #BigSister #BigBrother @officialpeppapig
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