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| Red blood cells on an agar plate are used to diagnose infection. The plate on the left shows a positive staphylococcus infection. The plate on the right shows a positive streptococcus infection and with the halo effect shows specifically a beta-hemolytic group A. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Q: My 3 year old loves playing outdoors. However, he’s prone to colds and flu so I often restrict his playing to prevent him from falling sick. Could his immune system be weak? – Elaine Phua
A: Colds and flu are due to viruses that commonly cause infections in young children, particularly those attending childcare or playschool. Playing outdoors is not the cause of him falling sick. In fact, keeping your child active and ensuring he gets lots of exercise and sunshine helps to keep him healthy and strong. After play, make sure he drinks lots of water to replenish lost fluids and gets sufficient rest.
Q: I’ve heard from other moms that prebiotics play an important role in supporting my child’s gut health. What exactly do prebiotics do for my child? – Karen Ang
A: To maintain a healthy environment in your child’s gut, your child needs good bacteria in his intestines. Good bacteria need nourishment in the form of prebiotics, which help to stimulate the growth of good bacteria in your child’s gut. Prebiotics also play a protective role in the gut by promoting a thicker mucous lining, which acts as a barrier against the build-up of bad bacteria.
Ensure your child gets his share of prebiotics by feeding him foods such as bananas, honey and whole grains.
Q: How do I know whether my child’s immune system is strong enough? What can I do daily to strengthen his immune system so he can be stronger and healthier? – Debra Ong
A: You can boost your child’s immunity in several ways: Ensure that he gets a well-balanced, nutritious diet, so that he gets all the nutrients he needs. Also, keep your child active and lean as it has been clinically proven that overweight children are more likely to suffer from infections compared to lean babies.
Getting adequate rest and sleep are also vital to allow the body to recuperate and meet the needs of the day. Good personal hygiene is also important to reduce unnecessary exposure to infection. Finally, be sure to check with your doctor if your child has received all the necessary vaccinations against diseases and infections.
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Did you know?
Did you know that your baby’s immune system is not fully matured at birth? That is why babies are more susceptible to infections and sicknesses.
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From TODAY, Health – Wednesday, 13-May-2009
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