Kids love going around places, playing, and exploring new things. While all of this is fun, it can expose them to diseases. When they come from school, they are exposed to various germs through air and transmission or direct contact. They also touch surfaces a lot, then their face, then their mouths. This makes it easy for illness to spread. While it is impossible to prevent illness completely, there could be several measures that can reduce the risk and support recovery.

Vaccination

Vaccination is a critical step in preventing severe illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend following an established vaccine schedule. Vaccines protect against life-threatening infections, including those that disproportionately affect infants and young children.

Good Hygiene

While no vaccine can prevent one from common cold, good hygiene practices can significantly reduce germ transmission. Parents must therefore encourage their children to wash their hands after touching toys, hard surfaces, and other people. What is more important is proper hand hygiene, as handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to eliminate germs.

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The Hygiene Hypothesis: Does Exposure to Germs Strengthen Immunity?

There are several research that suggests that early exposure to germs may help develop a child’s immune system, a concept known as the "hygiene hypothesis." However, many immunologists argue against this theory, noting that children naturally encounter enough germs to build immunity without unnecessary exposure to unsanitary conditions. A balanced approach ensures children develop a strong immune response without increased risk of illness.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Children’s Belongings

Regular cleaning of toys, school supplies, and frequently touched objects is essential. Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting can help:

• Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris.
• Sanitizing reduces germs to safer levels.
• Disinfecting kills germs completely, offering the highest level of protection.

It is important to read product labels carefully, use child-safe cleaning products, and rinse toys thoroughly after disinfection, especially those that go into a child’s mouth.

Choosing Effective Sanitizing Products

To minimize germ exposure, parents should clean objects with soap and water first and then use a sanitizer for everyday items. Disinfectants, which are stronger, should be used on objects that a sick person has touched. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of approved sanitizers and disinfectants that effectively kill germs.

Encouraging Good Hygiene Without Causing Anxiety

Teaching children proper hygiene without creating fear is essential. Make handwashing engaging by incorporating songs or counting games. Explaining the benefits of hygiene in a positive way helps children understand that washing hands protects them and others. Parents can reinforce these habits by leading by example.

Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition

A strong immune system helps children fight infections more effectively. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in immune support. A balanced diet should include:

• Proteins
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Healthy fats
• Carbohydrates
• Adequate hydration

Multivitamins are generally unnecessary for well-nourished children, but if supplements are used, they should be free of added sugars and taken under supervision to prevent choking hazards.

Teaching Respiratory Etiquette

Proper respiratory hygiene reduces the spread of illness. Parents should model behaviors such as covering their mouths with an elbow when coughing or sneezing. Using tissues and disposing of them immediately is also a good practice. Reinforcing these habits through positive encouragement makes children more likely to adopt them.

Unsafe sleep factors, including soft bedding, sharing a sleep surface with another person or animal, and sleeping on a surface other than a crib or bassinet, were identified in 73% of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) cases in the US, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

SUID includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and deaths from unknown causes. In 2024, SUID claimed the lives of about 3,400 babies in the US.

Even after decades of public health efforts to promote safer sleep practices, sleep-related deaths remain a major cause of infant mortality.

What Did The CDC Report Find?

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The report analyzed 4,861 SUID cases recorded between 2020 and 2024 across 31 US jurisdictions.

The CDC found that 73% of the deaths involved at least one unsafe sleep factor. These included:

• 78% involved soft bedding.
• 75% occurred on a sleep surface other than a crib or bassinet.
• 59% involved sharing a sleep surface with another person or animal.
• 46% of infants were found sleeping on their stomach or side rather than on their back.
• 28% had documented full airway obstruction involving the nose and mouth, neck, or chest.

These categories could overlap, meaning an infant could have had more than one unsafe sleep factor.

Most SUIDs Occurred In Young Infants

The CDC found that most deaths occurred among infants who were:

• 0–3 months old: 66%
• Male: 57%
• Black or African American: 38%
• White: 37%
• Born at 37 weeks or later: 74%
• Insured by Medicaid: 69%

What Is A Safe Sleep Environment?

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

The AAP recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm, non-inclined sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and avoiding soft bedding and overheating.

It also recommends human milk feeding, avoiding exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs, routine immunization, and pacifier use as measures associated with lower SIDS risk.

“Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep. Tummy time is important for developing strength and motor skills, but it should take place only when the baby is awake and being actively supervised,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, was quoted as saying by CNN.

Once babies can roll from their backs to their stomachs and back again on their own, parents do not need to keep repositioning them during sleep. However, they should still place babies on their backs at the start of every sleep.

What Should Be In A Baby’s Crib?

Wen recommends that the crib should be empty or nearly empty. Parents should use a firm mattress covered with a fitted sheet and avoid pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, and other soft objects.

If parents are concerned about the baby getting cold, they can use a wearable blanket or well-fitting sleep clothing instead of a loose blanket.

Room-Sharing Is Recommended, Not Bed-Sharing

The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, ideally for at least the first six months.

This means keeping the baby’s crib or bassinet close to the parents’ bed for easier feeding and comforting, while ensuring the baby sleeps on a separate surface.

After an abortion, patients may endure mild pain in the initial days and vaginal bleeding resembling menstruation for 3-7 days. Abortion can bring mixed emotions. Deciding to try for a pregnancy after an abortion can bring a mix of emotions. Some women may feel ready to conceive again soon, while others may need more time physically or emotionally. No single timeline works for everyone. To understand when the body is ready and support emotional well-being, a few factors can help women make informed decisions before trying again.

What to avoid after an abortion

In most cases, fertility can return quite quickly after an abortion. Ovulation may resume within a few weeks, which means pregnancy is possible even before the next menstrual period. For women who had an uncomplicated abortion, there may not always be a medical need to wait for several months before trying to conceive. However, the right time can depend on the individual's health, how far along the pregnancy was, the type of abortion, and whether there were any complications. But it is always advised to abstain from sexual activities for at least a month to prevent unintended pregnancies and avoid damage to the cervix.

If you had a surgical abortion or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, your doctor may advise abortion recovery; suggest waiting for 3 months for your uterus to heal and then plan pregnancy. If your miscarriage occurred in the second or third trimester, it may be recommended to wait for 3 to 6 months (depending on your physical and mental capacity) so that your body can rest well and recover from any deficiencies before the next pregnancy. Abortion can disrupt hormonal balance and alter the menstrual cycle, affecting reproductive health and leading to infection and inflammation.

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Give your body time to recover

Although fertility may return quickly, the body still needs time to recover. Remember, the signs of pregnancy are the same whether you had or had not an abortion. Therefore, always look for certain signs, such as bleeding and cramping can occur after an abortion, and the menstrual cycle may take some time to return to its usual pattern.

But if they experience very heavy bleeding, persistent severe abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or other symptoms that could indicate an infection or complication, they should immediately consult a gynaecologist.

Mental health matters too

Physical recovery is only one part of the process; what mostly gets affected is mental health. Abortion or miscarriage comes from different emotions, including relief, sadness, guilt, anxiety, or a combination of these feelings.

There is no "right" way to feel. For some women, becoming pregnant again can bring happiness and reassurance, while for some it may trigger memories or fears related to the previous pregnancy. Emotional readiness weighs more than physical readiness. Therefore, during this phase, it becomes quite important for partners and family members to talk openly and take care of each other.

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Diet plays an important role

Abortion leads to blood loss, and bleeding lasts up to a week. So, protein can be an ideal source for blood regeneration. Supplement with basic vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2, and vitamin E. For vitamins, consume fresh fruits and green vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, bean sprouts, pumpkin, apples, and grapes contain extremely rich vitamin content, in addition to iron and phosphorus to help aid in blood replenishment.

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps regenerate red blood cells. Intake of calcium can help prevent insomnia, lethargy, and aching limbs. Along with these, mild meditation and exercise can help you stay fit physically and mentally.

Does a previous abortion affect future fertility?

A previous abortion also does not necessarily increase the risk of problems in a future pregnancy. After an abortion, possible complications may include heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion or retained tissue, cervical or uterine injury or perforation, uterine adhesions, and temporary menstrual irregularities. In rare cases, complications may affect future fertility; in such cases, immediate medical attention is needed if there is severe or worsening lower abdominal pain, fever or chills, very heavy or prolonged bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, dizziness, fainting, or significant weakness.

What if pregnancy doesn't happen immediately?

It is normal for conception to take some time. Not becoming pregnant in the first few months does not automatically mean there is a fertility problem. The key is to look beyond the question from "How soon can I get pregnant?" to "Am I physically and emotionally ready?” Every pregnancy creates its own stories.

Musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, once more commonly associated with adulthood and old age, are increasingly being reported among schoolchildren, experts at the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) have warned.

Ahead of the World Physiotherapy Asia Western Pacific (WPAWP) Regional Conference 2026, IAP experts flagged a reported 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, citing sedentary lifestyles and poor movement habits as key concerns.

The experts called for greater focus on prevention, movement education and physical fitness from an early age.

“Back pain does not start in old age. We are seeing a concerning 40% rise in musculoskeletal problems among schoolchildren, and this should make us rethink how we approach preventive healthcare in schools,” Prof. Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, President of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), said.

He flagged concerns that long hours of studying and prolonged screen use are making children increasingly physically inactive. Reduced movement, along with inadequate strength, flexibility and fitness, may contribute to musculoskeletal problems and could have long-term consequences if not addressed.

“We need to shift from treating musculoskeletal problems after they appear to preventing them through early education, fitness and appropriate physiotherapy interventions,” Dr. Jha said.

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Childhood Back Pain Is Already A Concern

Indian research indicates that musculoskeletal symptoms are a significant concern among school-going children.

A study of 934 children aged 8–15 years from four schools in Bhopal found that 55.9% reported pain during the previous 12 months, while 41.6% reported pain during the preceding 10 days and 21.3% had visited a doctor for the problem. The study also found that the average schoolbag weighed 16.5% of the students’ body weight.

Another study among schoolchildren aged 10–16 years in urban and rural areas of Khurda district, Odisha, found an 18.8% prevalence of musculoskeletal pain during the preceding year. The research examined factors including backpack weight, age, gender and body measurements.

Heavy Schoolbags Are Not The Whole Story

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Experts caution against attributing childhood back pain solely to heavy schoolbags. Scientific evidence suggests that musculoskeletal pain can have multiple contributing factors, including physical activity, movement habits, previous injuries, psychosocial factors, prolonged sitting and individual characteristics.

This points to the need for a broader approach to childhood musculoskeletal health rather than focusing exclusively on schoolbag weight.

“We should not totally link childhood back pain to a heavy-school-bag problem. Children need regular movement, physical fitness, strength, flexibility, good movement habits and awareness about how they use their bodies,” Dr. Ruchi Varshney, part of the IAP, said.

She added that physiotherapy can help schools introduce preventive programs focused on movement education, early identification of problems and healthy physical activity rather than waiting until pain becomes persistent.

Schools Can Play A Bigger Role

Physiotherapists believe schools can become important platforms for movement education, exercise, postural awareness, physical fitness, injury prevention, ergonomics, early screening and health promotion.

The larger message is that back pain should not be viewed as an inevitable problem of growing older.

Musculoskeletal health begins in childhood, and prevention should begin before pain becomes persistent.

Regular movement, physical fitness, strength and flexibility can help children develop healthy movement habits and support their musculoskeletal health as they grow.