Wellness Choice

It is easy to get caught up in children’s health concerns today. We are worried about everything when it comes to our children. People are even obsessive when it comes to cleaning, some times overly so. You want to make sure to keep your child’s health in the forefront of your mine, but some germ exposure is critical for building an appropriate, strong immune system. Finding the balance between clean and too clean is the goal. Know what to be on top of germ-wise and what is not a big ordeal.

The Scoop In The Kitchen

When it comes to children’s health in the kitchen there are a few things to be concerned about. Counters are a bad place for germs. It is not the regular germs you need to be afraid of. It is the bacteria associated with food, especially meats. Meats carry some potentially very dangerous and deadly bacteria when ingested. When it comes to where you prepare your food, make sure to clean immediately after you expose the surface to the food that way if little hands are around they do not get contaminated. Today there are thousands of cleaning products that kill up to 99% of the bacteria when used right. Many of these come in a wipe form for fast and easy use. Other germ ridden places such as floors and cupboard doors tend to be less of an issue and not harmful. In fact, a little dirt won’t hurt.

Hand Washing Is Key

Children’s health is directly linked to hand washing practices. Everything we touch has germs. Some are good, and some are bad. Children are constantly putting their hands in their mouths. This is how illnesses get passed around from family to family. Teaching your kids to properly wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and when coming in contact with questionable items can help them avoid many possible exposures to unwanted germs. The best way to ensure your child is washing correctly is to tell them to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing. Once they are done singing, they can rinse and dry. Proper hand washing is the number one way to prevent illness.

There Are Good Germs

There are many good germs to be had out there and children’s health depends on them. In our lives we must be exposed to all kinds of things or we will not be capable of fighting them off. Most germs we come in contact with are killed fast and allow our bodies to build up antibodies for when another exposure happens. This allows the body to fight and kill a virus or infection fast. When we over clean our children’s environment, we are removing the potentially helpful germs they need. While proper hygiene and cleaning is a must to kill potentially dangerous amounts of germs away, allowing children to get dirty and put things in their mouths is also a need. So, for all the parents out there afraid of a bit of dirt, allow your children to touch and explore. It can be what makes them healthy in the long run.

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