Stay Strong and Healthy This Autumn and Winter with These Simple Back-to-School Health Tips
As the school year approaches, parents everywhere are busy gathering supplies and preparing their kids for the classroom. But beyond pencils and backpacks, there’s something else that deserves attention—your family’s health. With common school-time ailments like allergies and stomach bugs making the rounds, it’s important to prioritize healthcare.
The secret to staying well?
Prevention!
And it all starts with a strong immune system.
Dr Lily, Senior Lecturer, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Clinical Director at AcuMedic Centre in London, explains:
“In Chinese Medicine, keeping the immune system in top shape is vital to ward off the daily infections we come into contact with, especially during this time of year.”
With the back-to-school rush and colder months approaching, now’s the time to strengthen your defences.
Ready to get started?
Follow these 5 essential health tips to keep your family strong and healthy as the new school year begins.
1. GET TO BED EARLY
If bedtime went out the window during the holidays, it’s time to fix it! Poor sleep doesn’t just mess with concentration—it also weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Getting less than 7 hours of sleep can triple your chances of getting sick. That’s why you feel exhausted when you’re unwell—your body’s trying to recover.
Put your kids to bed earlier so they wake up energised and ready for the day, with stronger defences.
Need a boost yourself?
Download our free guide, 7 Steps to Beat Fatigue, to keep your energy levels up naturally (free PDF download).
2. GO OUTSIDE
Want to boost your child’s immune system before school starts?
Get them outside! It might sound odd, but spending time in the cold can actually stimulate the immune system. The worst thing you can do when the weather turns chilly is stay glued to the heater—this weakens your defences, leaving you vulnerable when you finally head outdoors.
So, bundle up, get outside for a brisk walk, or let the kids run around at the park.
The fresh air will do wonders!
Want more tips to naturally boost your immune system? Grab our Support Your Immune System guide (free PDF)—part of the AcuMedic Clinical Guides.
3. EAT RIGHT
Want a stronger immune system?
It starts with the right nutrients. Dr Lily explains:
“The end of summer, as kids return to school, is a crucial time for stability and preparation for the colder months ahead. Keeping the digestive system healthy is key. According to Chinese Medicine, if we don’t watch what we eat or how it’s prepared, digestive issues can arise, which may weaken the immune system.”
Vegetables are your immune system’s best friend—packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep it strong. Make sure they make up at least 50% of your child’s diet.
Be mindful of asthma triggers too. Dr Lily points out:
“Raw and cold foods can harm the Spleen and contribute to fluid stagnation and phlegm buildup. Heavy, sweet, and greasy foods, as well as seafood like fish and shellfish, can increase the chances of asthma attacks.” Take time to plan nourishing meals, ideally cooked over a low flame to lock in goodness.”
Want more practical tips to keep your digestion in check? Download our free Regulate Your Digestion guide now!
4. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
Boost your child’s immune system with zinc and vitamin C supplements—they provide the essential building blocks for good health.
Avoid over-reliance on drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and antibiotics, as they can weaken the immune system and leave your child more vulnerable to illness. These should only be a last resort for managing symptoms, not your go-to for fighting infections.
Instead, focus on natural methods to help your child’s body stay strong and heal itself.
5. DRINK UP
Feeling distracted or fatigued?
If you or your children struggle to stay focused, tea might be the solution. Pair a good cup of tea with a balanced breakfast to boost concentration and productivity.
Tea has a unique ability to calm and alert the mind at the same time.
Thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid in tea, it reduces over-excitement in the brain’s central nervous system, helping you stay focused for longer. Gabalong teas are especially rich in GABA, a key neurotransmitter that helps prevent over-stimulation, reducing anxiety and improving mental alertness, memory, and learning abilities.
Mei Leaf Tea House stocks some of the best GABA teas around, including the award-winning Ruby Gaba—a must-try for boosting focus and calming the mind.
Think tea isn’t for kids? Watch this video on caffeine and children. And this.
If you’re still concerned about caffeine, try Big Leaf Kuding —a great caffeine-free option to soothe fidgeting and sharpen focus.
Not a tea fan? Stick to water. It’s essential for all body systems, including a strong immune system—so make sure your child drinks at least 2 litres a day.
These are the basics to get started.
Regular use of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and massage can keep both the whole family in peak condition all year round, rain or shine.
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