Strategies for Moms to Keep Their Kids with Health Conditions Safe During Winter

As a mom, you are already an exceptional superhero. We’re half-way through the year, however, and back-to-school is around the bend. With winter health problems on the horizon, ensuring your child’s well-being becomes even more challenging. Winter brings its own set of unique hurdles, such as fighting flu season or asthma flare-ups. 

Common Health Conditions and Precautions

Winter brings with it many health concerns, especially for children with existing conditions. Colds, flus, and respiratory infections often flare up more during these colder months. Asthmatic children may find their symptoms are aggravated during cold weather and indoor allergen exposure.

To minimize risks associated with asthmatic conditions in children, regular medical checks-ups and vaccinations, including an annual flu vaccine can provide valuable protection. As part of an overall wellness regimen, keeping a home free from dust and allergens helps minimize their presence. Humidifiers provide humid air that aids breathing difficulties. If your child is using hearing aids during winter, make sure they are kept dry and clean to reduce risk of potential ear infections.

Create a Winter Health Checklist

Stock Up On Meds 

Colder temperatures can exacerbate existing medical conditions, so be sure to have an ample supply of medicine available in your medicine cabinet:

• Prescriptions: Review all prescribed medications and make sure you have enough refills to last through winter, setting reminders for renewal. 
• Over-the-Counter Essentials: Be prepared by having over-the-counter essentials like fever reducers, decongestants, and cough suppressants readily available if symptoms arise in wintertime.
• Emergency Supplies: Be prepared for an unexpected scenario by having a thermometer, extra inhalers, hearing aid batteries, and allergy meds on hand at all times.

Immunize and Sanitize

Preventative measures go a long way: 

• Vaccinations: Make sure that all vaccinations, especially the flu shot, are up-to-date for optimal protection. An easy win that could save lives.
• Hand Hygiene: Instill in your child the importance of hand washing regularly and maintaining proper hygiene, using hand sanitizer as needed during outings.

Prepare Your Home for Winter 

Your home should be your sanctuary, and creating a warm and safe environment is of utmost importance:

• Heating System Check-Up: To keep the cost of repairs down during winter months, get your heating system checked regularly by professionals, with backup heating sources such as portable heaters to cover unexpected breakdowns if they arise.
• Proper Ventilation: While keeping the home warm, ensure there is enough ventilation to prevent stuffiness, which can aggravate respiratory issues.

Winter-Proof Clothing 

Outfit your child for the elements:

• Layer Up: Dressing in layers is key. Choose moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulation, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
• Warm Accessories: Invest in good-quality hats, gloves, and scarves. Keeping extremities warm is vital for overall warmth.

Beat the Winter Blues

A key way to beat winter blues is engaging in indoor activities:

• Creative Play: Stock up on board games, puzzles and art supplies that will keep your child occupied during this season of change.
• Physical Exercise: Explore indoor exercises such as dance videos, trampolines or family yoga to keep those endorphins flowing.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

It pays to be ready for emergencies: 

• Contact List: Keep a list of important contacts such as healthcare providers, nearby hospitals, and pharmacies handy at all times in case an unexpected incident arises.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Gather important items such as an EpiPen, extra inhaler, hearing aid batteries and so on into an emergency kit for maximum preparedness in case of an unexpected event.

Conclusion 

Being prepared as the mother of a child with health conditions doesn’t need to be intimidating. With some planning and a plan in place, winter won’t seem scary anymore. While winter might feel cold and difficult at times, remember that your love and care provide invaluable warmth for your child’s comfort. Take a deep breath, sip that hot cocoa, and take on this season like the superhero mom you are.