Heading back to school can mean earlier mornings, tighter schedules and the inevitable back-to-school illnesses. Here are three ways families can help boost their immunity and avoid sickness.

The second is sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids ages 5 to 12 years old sleep nine to 12 hours, while teens should be sleeping a minimum of eight hours, but as many as 10. As they go back to school, kids start staying up later on electronic devices, sometimes late into the evening. For adults and especially children, keep the room cool and dark, and turn off electronic devices, including smartphones, at least an hour before bed.

The third way to improve immunity is to reduce stress. A National Institute of Health study connects elevated stress levels to a decrease in immunity. Adults and children both need to learn ways to address their stress. Kids as young as toddlers can learn how to breathe correctly, breathing deeply through the nose. Taking deep breaths in times of stress will help calm the nervous system and reduce the impact stress has on the body and on immunity.

Dr. Michael Smith is a naturopathic physician and founder of Carolinas Natural Health Center, located at 1114 Sam Newell Rd., Ste. A in Matthews, and specializes in immune system support and reversing chronic health conditions naturally. He offers a free discovery call at 704-486-2448. For more information, visit www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com.

Carolinas Natural Health Center - 1114 Sam Newell Rd Ste A, Matthews, NC

Michael T. Smith, Naturopath. Providing whole family healthcare. Specializing in classical homeopathy and clinical nutrition. Treating people with conditions ranging from diabetes to ADHD... Read More »