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Back to School: Health Strategies b y D r . B a r t P r e c o u r t
L et’s begin by just saying the past year has been interesting! As the dust begins to settle, there are still many questions. Have we learned from the past year? Hopefully! In this article are some of the most common questions I get in my practice about kids’ health and going back to school. We knew from the beginning that running and hiding was not a long-term strategy; yet it’s what we had, and at some point, we would have to face moving forward in a safe and healthy way. In no particular order, here you go: Are kids safe to go back to school? This is a resounding yes! YES. YES. Does it mean they will never catch a cold or flu? No. Kids get those things, it’s okay. They are meant to have exposure to germs etc, that’s how their immune system gets smarter. It means they are safe from potentially fatal outcomes. This is what is being overlooked. The data clearly indicates that chil- dren are not at risk for serious illness or death from COVID-19. It’s important that we teach them healthy practices, including reducing the fear that many of them now have about interacting with other humans. What can I do to boost up my child’s immune system? This is what we should focus on. Three easy focus points. First, increase Vitamins C, D and Zinc. These work to enhance and activate the immune system. The immune system is what protects your child. Second, combine this with a new approach to nutrition. Viruses and bacteria thrive when we eat sugar and processed foods. Essentially sugar brings our defense field down. It’s time to do something different. Help your child have more healthy options. Learn about healthy foods. Get rid of sugar! The need to get stronger from the inside out will never go away so this is a long- term investment. This is not news to you, though now it is real. Sugar down regulates the immune system. Let’s learn from the past year and take more action. Third, get better SLEEP. We heal when we sleep. Better sleepers generally have stronger immune systems. Lastly, get the schools involved. No longer accept school meals that are unhealthy, processed, and full of sugar. (Glad to help here if need be!)
What should we teach our children about health? Okay… this was really me making a question up… yet it’s a good one! Let’s teach them about the immune system, the very thing that will ensure their future health. Too many kids are being taught the way to stay healthy (or really how not to be sick), is to avoid their friends (distance) and mask up. Enough! Let’s be bold and push, beg and plead all the local schools to teach their students about the innate and adaptive immune systems. Health comes from within. Kids need to learn this. Heck… we all need this reminder. I think we are massively underes- timating their capacity to understand about health and sickness. Imagine for a moment all the effort that was put into making policies, putting tape on the floors, plexiglass, masks, social distancing, virtual learning etc. Imagine this year putting that same energy, effort and re- sources into learning about HEATLH. Let’s help their little bodies get stronger. Let’s teach them about how simple things like hugging is shown to enhance immune cells. Smiling, laughing, and playing builds immunity. Sunshine makes us stronger. Operating out of love, not fear, builds them up. Let’s give them some confidence and certainty through education and action. p.s. I will volunteer to teach these as long as teachers and parents are present. Parting notes: Collectively I think with the information we had last year that schools and teachers did an amazing job adapting to the circumstances. And now it’s time to raise the bar… to emphasize health, building our immune Sugar brings our defense field down. It’s time to do something different. Help your child have more healthy options. Learn about healthy foods. Get rid of sugar!
Dr. Bart Precourt
systems, and improving diet and nutrition. If there was ever a time to get motivated on these topics, it’s now. For the parents out there… stand your ground. Lead by example. Be bold enough to let go of some of your bad habits. Be the weirdo eating healthy all time. Consume less sugar. Less alcohol. Sleep more. Laugh. Stress less. Get outside. Exercise. Take your vitamins. Practice gratitude. Love.
Let’s do this!
Dr. Bart M. Precourt, D.C., is a Holistic Doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist and nutritional consultant. For nearly 20 years he has helped people get healthy, lose weight and create healthy sustainable lifestyles. He currently practices in Seagrove Beach, FL at Balance Health Studio, www.balance30a.com. For a consultation, contact Balance Health Studio at (850) 231-9288.
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