How to stay healthy for back-to-school

“As a family we take Sambucol supplements, packed with black elderberry antioxidants and key immune supporting nutrients such as *vitamin C and zinc. The liquid and gummy formats are our favourite!” Dr Jenna Macciochi

8 expert tips to help beat the bugs from Expert Immunologist, Dr Jenna Macciochi...

As we return to our busy back-to-school routines, it’s important to prepare ourselves for whatever the new school year brings. This also means being mindful of those dreaded back-to-school bugs which are highly likely to re-emerge, their presence just as unwelcome as it is inevitable. Luckily, there are plenty of things parents can do to take preventative action and help ensure the whole family stays resilient and healthy for school. Here, Dr Jenna Macciochi (PhD immunologist and mum of two) has prepared a list of her top tips on maintaining immune health, to help break what can often feel like the never-ending ‘spiralling cycle’ of back-to-school bugs.

1) Prioritise prevention: Immunity starts with prevention. Practicing good hygiene habits helps minimise the risk of falling poorly. Encourage children to regularly wash their hands, sneeze/cough into their elbow or cover their nose with a tissue to help reduce exposure to germs.

2) Eat the rainbow: Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables with plenty of plant fibre, healthy fats and protein which provide your family’s immune system with essential nutrients.

3) Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is vital for overall health. It helps keep airways properly lubricated with the right amount and consistency of mucus to prevent infection, which is particularly important as our children start playing sports and games again during term-time.

4) Supplement smartly: Incorporate Sambucol supplements into your family’s daily routine to fortify your immune system. It’s backed by scientific research and naturally rich in antioxidants from the black elderberries, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin C and zinc to help safeguard your immunity. And kids love it because it tastes great!

5) Movement: Incorporate physical activity into your family routine, as it can enhance your immune system’s efficiency. Even moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling to school, can boost your body’s natural defences and offer the opportunity for fresh air.

6) Daily gratitude: As a family, taking 10 mins at the end of each day to reflect and practice gratitude can do you the world of good. Focusing on positive experiences and exciting new learnings from school helps protect against the negative impact of stress and has been scientifically shown to have beneficial effects on our immune system.

7) Restful sleep: Ensure you and your children get sufficient sleep each night, as rest is crucial for a strong immune system. Prioritise a consistent sleep schedule and pause screen related activities at least one hour before bedtime.

8) Stay home when unwell: If the inevitable does happen and your children do fall unwell, be considerate of others and ensure your child is kept off school to avoid spreading germs. Use Sambucol to help prepare to return to the classroom.