From stuffy noses to coughs, winter seems to be filled with sickness and germs. Protect your children from the harsh winter weather and the even harsher health hazards with these winter health tips.

Wash Your Hands Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs, especially during cold and flu season.

Wash Wools Wool garments attract and retain dust more than other natural fibers. Washing wools regularly will help reduce allergies and asthma.

Air It Out Warm winter heat can attract twice as many microbes due to the decreased air flow. Opening the windows for a few minutes when the sun is shining bright allows fresh, clean air to circulate through and the UV rays serve as a natural disinfectant.

Wear Sunscreen Even thought it might be chilly outside, the sun’s rays can still cause sunburn. Slather on the sunscreen before the children head outside to play.

Moisturize Applying lotion twice a day will keep skin hydrated and at its healthiest during the cold winter months.

Wear Chapstick The lips are most susceptible to the dry winter wind. A child friendly lip balm will prevent chapped lips.

Protect the Ears Don’t let your children leave the house in the winter without a snug fitting hat or ear warmers.

Sit Up for Drinks Allowing your children to drink a bottle when laying down increases their risk for developing a middle ear infection.

Consider a Humidifier Using a humidifier in a child’s room will add moisture to the air and prevent a stuffy nose.

Get a Flu Shot Getting a flu shot before the onset of flu season will dramatically reduce the risk of contracting the sickness during the winter.

Sleep Getting plenty of sleep each night will strengthen your child’s immune system and prevent against illness.

Stay Hydrated Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your children don’t need to drink as much. It is just as important to stay hydrated in the winter months.

If your children fall victim to winter illness, the compassionate and trained staff of NiteOwl Pediatrics is here to help. Our Chattanooga pediatric urgent care facility provides after hours pediatric care 7 days a week.