2024-02-23 15:28:06
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Colds are the number one childhood illness. Parents can easily protect their offspring, as a study shows.
As soon as you get over one cold, the next one follows: This will probably sound familiar to parents of small children. Most of the time, the other family members also become infected. What gets on your nerves is completely normal and intended by nature. Because every infection trains the little one’s immune system. Parents of small children have to expect seven to eight colds a year. There are also possible infections with the RS virus, gastrointestinal infections and typical childhood illnesses such as hand-foot-mouth or three-day fever.
In a study with 100 children, researchers from Poland found out how at least the number of colds can be reduced – and with very simple means.
Children stay healthy with exercise
It is not uncommon for small children to have several colds a year. Regular movements can prevent them (symbolic image). © Cavan Images/Imago
For your Study The researchers from the University of Warsaw examined various factors such as the number of siblings, previous vaccinations, how much children sleep and whether they were exposed to toxins such as tobacco smoke or allergens such as animal hair. The surprising result: they seem to have no influence on the number of diseases.
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Movement, on the other hand, does. The study showed that the more steps a child takes per day, the less likely they are to get respiratory infections. Children with a sedentary lifestyle were sick on average four days more often over the 60-day study period. Calculated over the whole year, that could make a difference of 24 days.
Exercise is the best medicine for children
The study confirms what experts have been advising for a long time: children need exercise to stay healthy. And best of all in the fresh air. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:
- Place babies up to one year old in an active tummy position for at least 30 minutes
- Children between one and two should get at least 180 minutes of varied exercise a day (swinging, sliding, running around)
- The same applies to children between three and four: 180 minutes of exercise, 60 of which are medium to high intensity (balance bikes, running, jumping)
- Between four and six, children should take 10,000 to 14,000 steps a day
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Move with the child
Children have a natural urge to move, they just have to live it out. They can do this, for example, on a trip, on a walk, but also when going to the supermarket or on the way to kindergarten. Even short distances are exercise, so the rule is: walk whenever possible and leave your car behind.
Exercise is important for children not only to prevent illnesses such as colds. It also trains coordination skills, sense of balance, spatial experience and body awareness Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescents (BVKJ) explained. It also promotes metabolism, strengthens bones and supports the development of muscles and organs. Lack of exercise combined with an unhealthy diet can lead to illnesses such as obesity or fatty liver disease even in childhood.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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