As the cold winter fades away, spring arrives quietly, bringing renewal and vitality to all living things. This season, filled with energy and hope, marks the beginning of a new growth cycle in nature. Our bodies also need to adapt to the changing climate of this time of year. Spring is both a golden period for growth and development and a season when respiratory illnesses like the flu are more common. How to enjoy the warmth and blossoms of spring while scientifically promoting healthy growth and effectively preventing and caring for the flu has become a topic of common concern for us during this season.
This session of Parent School will provide you with a detailed introduction to scientific methods for promoting growth in spring, including nutritional planning, exercise recommendations, and adjustments to daily routines. It will also offer comprehensive knowledge on flu prevention and care. By equipping you with this information, we aim to help you and your family navigate the season’s challenges with ease. Let’s seize the growth opportunities of spring, build a strong defense for health, and embrace a vibrant year ahead!
Why Choose Spring for Promoting Children’s Growth?
Spring is a critical period for accelerating growth and development in children and adolescents, making proper nutrition particularly vital. According to the Five Elements Theory, spring corresponds to the wood element, symbolizing upward surge and renewal. As the ancient text says, 'The three months of spring are the time of regrowth. Heaven and Earth come to life, and all things flourish. Go to bed and rise early, stroll and saunter in the courtyard. Let your hair down and move slowly to uplift your spirit. Nurture without destruction, give without take, reward without punish. This is how to align with spring energy and the way to preserve health. Going against it harms the liver, leading to cold in summer and less energy for growth.'Children's physiological traits include tender organs and immature energy flow. They are full of vitality and develop rapidly, with younger children growing even faster.
Good living habits, a healthy diet, regular exercise, pediatric massage, and appropriate medicinal pastes can all support growth. Activities like basketball, skipping rope, and swimming, which involve stretching, are especially beneficial for bone development. Additionally, ensuring 1-2 hours of outdoor activity in sunlight each day helps children grow strong and healthy.
Maintaining regular routines and ensuring adequate sleep lays a solid foundation for children’s growth. The optimal sleep duration for school-age children is 9–11 hours daily. To help achieve this, establish a consistent circadian rhythm, reduce the use of electronic devices at night, and avoid blue light exposure to ensure good sleep quality. In spring and summer, protect children from the cold to preserve their yang energy. Encourage frequent sips of water to keep the internal organs moist and nourished.
In spring, reduce sour foods and increase sweet ones. A balanced diet with more calcium-rich foods is advised, such as sesame (sesame paste), hazelnuts, wood ear mushrooms, dried shrimp, nori, kelp, soy products, and dairy products (Soy products are often better absorbed than dairy for Chinese individuals; let children’s preferences guide food choices). Other options include daylily flowers, carrots, and sweet potato leaves, etc. If calcium supplements are needed, the best time for intake is after dinner. Since hormones that regulate calcium are secreted in the early morning when blood calcium levels are lowest, calcium absorption is most efficient at this time.
In spring, when exercising, avoid excessive sweating; aim for a light sweat and dry off promptly to prevent catching a chill. Increase outdoor activity to at least two hours daily. Spending time in the sun promotes calcium absorption and boosts immunity.
The warmth of spring not only awakens the dormant earth but also brings new opportunities for health management. By using scientific growth-promoting methods and careful flu prevention, we can fully utilize the advantages of this season to lay a solid foundation for health throughout the year. Let’s embrace this season of hope, guided by science and prioritizing prevention!
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