Today’s unprecedented pandemic has caused an almost impossible amount of uncertainty throughout the United States; as parents during this time, keeping you and your children safe and healthy is a vital role to play, but a hard one. As pediatricians, our main concern with our patients involves keeping families healthy with the best resources available and keeping up motivation and optimism as much as possible throughout this pandemic. We’re all in this together, and as this year passes, we’re here to provide you with some of the best ways to keep yourselves healthy as the winter season brings the flu, the reopening of schools, and pandemic fatigue.
For the next several months, infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are expected to rise and spread further, but it does not mean that your fall and winter seasons need to be miserable. Here are some ways to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, for you and your children during this time.
1. Maintain Your Covid-19 Crew
Among the recommended regulations set forth by the CDC, which include hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing face masks while outside, one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy is to stay within your family and have your family be your immediate circle. By maintaining these boundaries, these will be your strongest weapons against Covid-19.
2. Keep Your Mental Health in Check
Managing multiple schedules, helping your child through online school work, and keeping yourself in check will be challenging, but making sure that you practice self-care will allow you not to wear yourself down. Be gentle with yourself and each other.
3. Talk to Your Child About Covid-19
When raising children, children heavily rely on and react to the words you say and how you say them. Find reassurance words throughout this fall, encourage them to feel, and be okay with being upset. The CDC provides more extensive information for parents wishing to learn more.
4. Determine Your Area’s Risk For Infection
Some cities will be more affected than others; some mobile apps and websites offer updates on the Covid-19 situation in your area and help give you and your family a better idea of what activities will be at higher risk than others. By searching for these resources, you can better plan your outdoor and indoor activities.
5. Maintain Routines For Your Family
Routines can be especially important for children. With increased uncertainty and stress, at-home and at-school routines can allow you to have an easier time managing emotions and behaviors. For mental health, spend a certain amount of time outdoors in a secluded area for fresh air, plan indoor crafting activities, and include times for fun and relaxation.
6. Only Visit Friends and Family When Necessary
Most often, the spread of Covid-19 occurs not informal settings with strangers, but most often informal gatherings with friends and family. If you must travel during the holidays, cut out risky areas such as restaurants and hotels. Get you and your family tested before visiting loved ones to keep you and your family safe.
7. Keep Up Your Pediatric Visits
If you visit a pediatrician, you know that your pediatrician can provide your child with up-to-date vaccinations and health checkups to assure you that your child is best protected. Their developmental milestones still matter at this age because their growth and health matters now more than ever.
If you sense that your child may have Covid-19, call Puri Pediatric Group, located in Fremont, CA, receive advice about caring for your child from Dr. Veena Puri to help manage the disease and help them recover.
