'Tis the season . . . for sickness . . . tra la la la la la la la la

Please tell me that my household is NOT the only one that has been hammered by an endless barrage of sickness lately. I don’t know why it would give me comfort to know that others are sick too, but the validation of knowing that it’s not just me makes me feel a little better. Hand sanitizer and Airborne have been no match for what we’ve been fighting in our household and not only has discouragement and exhaustion crept in, but an overall sadness at seeing my little ones (and husband) in misery. 

Our family of six has passed around various strains of stomach flu, sore throats, fevers, and other undesirable symptoms and no one has been immune. Each morning seems to be a new conversation about who is sick and who needs to stay home. No one can afford to miss work, so we end up saying things like “Well, I’ve already missed 4 days this month,” or “Maybe you can go to work for half a day and then I can go to work the rest of the day.” Can you relate to the stress and frustration? I haven’t even mentioned how behind the kids get in school by just missing a couple of days. 

In the midst of the sickness storm last week, I jokingly told Mrs. Smith and Mr. B. that my theme verse for the week was Proverbs 4:8, “Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave.” I’m fully aware that this usage of the verse is out of context, but it surely expresses what I’ve been feeling lately. 

I sat down to write this blog on a mission to find encouragement and hope for our family's current health situation. What amazing comfort there is in God's Word! Ultimately, I know that God is in control and there is a season for everything. If you or your family has been dealing with sickness as mine has and you are feeling discouraged, I pray you find hope in the following verses.  

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 

Psalm 23:1-6 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ... 

Psalm 91:1-16 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ... 

I don't know how long this season of sickness will last. I DO know, however, that I will keep these verses close to my heart and sanitizer close to my hands.  

In the words of John in III John 1:2,

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Keeping Kids Healthy

by Jennie Smith
Secondary Assistant Principal

It never fails...during the first two weeks of school, someone always gets sick in my household.  Last year, it was me - a miserable round of bronchitis.  But this year, it is my husband and my four-year-old, the two who don't go to school.  We had one of THOSE weekends...fevers, naps, whining...you know how it goes.  My older two are staying away - like the family has a  plague.  They want perfect attendance and want to stay healthy.  So, I decided to do a little research to see if I could help my family have a very healthy year.  Here is what I've discovered:



This is my four-year-old, Drew, feverish and resting on Sunday.

Rest
A well-rested body is necessary to keep an immune system healthy.  Keep the bed time as consistent as humanly possible - even on the weekends.  Good rest also reduces stress; stress can have negative effects on an immune system.

Eating Right
We all know that a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to good health.  However, that may be a little more difficult to do in packing a child's lunch.  Carrots and yogurt have good immune system support and are easy to pack in a lunch box.  Did you know that trail mix is full of Vitamin E, iron, and potassium?  We know that oranges are packed with vitamin C, but kiwis, guava, and sweet red bell peppers are full of the same.  One of my sons loves the mini peppers I send in his lunch.  Add a little ranch dressing and he's all set.

I've been wanting to try kale, but wasn't sure how to get my kids to eat it.  Kale is rich in vitamins and beta carotene.  One mom suggested that kale be cut up and added to tuna, chicken, or egg salad.  This seems like a great way to sneak in some immune boosting vitamins.  Does anyone have a good recipe for homemade kale chips?  Share with us in the comments below. 

You can find more immune boosting ideas for a lunch box at:  http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/healthy-school-lunch-superfoods#slide-1

Avoid Sugar
Dr. William Sears, a nationally recognized pediatrician, says that 100 grams (or 8 tablespoons) of sugar "can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40%" (Sears, 2013).  One hundred grams of sugar is equivalent to drinking two sodas.  It may be wise, for more than one reason, to be aware of how much sugar a child is taking in each day. 

Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids is not just a help when you are sick; it can assist in preventing those sicknesses

in the first place.  Water adds oxygen to your blood cells - which helps them to function better.  It flushes out the toxins your body takes in.  It very simply keeps your mouth wet, which will prevent dust, dirt, and germs from lingering too long.  Be sure to send a water bottle with your child and encourage them to drink throughout the day...even in the cooler months.

Wash Hands
This is the one we as parents stress over and over again with our children, and it can't be said too many times.  This is the number one way to assist in preventing illnesses.  My sons wanted a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep at their desk to have handy when hand washing just isn't possible.  It may seem obvious to us, but remind your kids not to share water bottles and food.  It always surprises me when I see two teens drinking out of the same container, but it happens much more than we would like to admit.  Also, remind  your child to keep his/her hand out of the mouth and nose.  Nervous habits, like biting nails, can add a good number of opportunities for germs to make their way in.


If you have other suggestions for keeping your kids healthy and well, please believe me when I say, I would love to hear them!  Leave them in the comments below.  Here's wishing you a healthy new school year!


References
Sears, W (2013).  "4 Habits that Weaken the Immune System." Ask Dr. Sears.  Retrieved from  http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/foods-boost-immunity/4-habits-weaken-immune-system