Simple Tips

August 11, 2008 | Print

Back to School Immune Support

Our kids are rarely sick during summer–the school year is another story. With changes in weather, kids grouped together indoors and out, head colds and the occasional stomach flu seem inevitable.

Children starting school for the first time may be more vulnerable as they’re exposed to new germs. Once we get through the year, they’re sick less often. Kelly notices that Amelia (7) is often the least sick with colds, while Oliver (2) catches the worst of them.

A week or two before school starts, we give the kids’ immune systems an extra boost with daily vitamins and herbs. We try to keep it up through the first weeks of school, with vitamin C, flaxseed oil and colostrum becoming part of our regular routine. Listed below is a regimen homeopath Dr. Jim Blechman recommends for his patients. Check with your health care practitioner about what program may be best for your child.

Vitamin C — 100 mg for every year (4 years, 400 mg), daily. We like the liquid Childlife Vitamin C.

Astragalus and Echinacea – Alternate, a dose of just one of them each day. 1 drop per 3 lbs. The Herbs for Kids are sweet enough to give on a spoon, or drop into a small amount of juice or water.

Ultra Bifidus – 1/4 teaspoon under 5 years, 1/2 teaspoon over 5 years, daily. We order Metagenics Ultra Bifidus DF (dairy free) through the contact us page on their site, or buy at Pharmaca. We also give the kids Childlife Colostrum.

Flaxseed oil – 1/2 teaspoon under 5 years, 1 teaspoon over 5 years, daily. Our kids usually take flaxseed oil from a spoon, or we mix into their food. We find organic flaxseed oil at the market or health food store.

And, we rely on Bach’s Rescue Remedy (2 drops for ages 2 to 5, directly in their mouths or in water) as needed to help with any anxiety, uncertainty or upset during the school transition. On afternoons they’re having a particularly hard time, we give Rescue Remedy every 15 minutes for up to two hours or until they seem calmer.

More School Tips:

• Transition to Preschool

• School Sleep Transitions

• Getting Ready for School in the Morning

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