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Page 26 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com Colds and flu are a fact of life for kids, but there are smart steps you can take to help reduce their number of sick days. Especially when Back To School is here! Some healthy habits can serve as an immune booster for kids, such as eating more vegetables, getting enough sleep, and washing your hands regularly. Here are seven ways to kick your kid's immune system into high gear. Serve more fruits and vegetables Carrots, green beans, oranges, strawberries: They all contain carotenoids, which are immunity-boosting phytonutrients. Phytonutrients may increase the body's production of infection-fighting white blood cells and interferon, an antibody that coats cell surfaces, blocking out viruses. Studies show that a diet rich in phytonutrients can also protect against such chronic diseases as cancer and heart disease in adulthood. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies per day. Boost sleep time Studies of adults show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells, immune- system weapons that attack microbes and cancer cells. The same holds true for children, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., director of the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research at Children's Hospital, in Boston. Children in daycare are particularly at risk for sleep deprivation because all the activity can make it difficult for them to nap. So how much sleep do kids need? An infant may require up to 16 hours of crib time each day, toddlers should have 11 to 14 hours, and preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours. If your child can't or won't take naps during the day, try to put her to bed earlier. Breastfeed your baby Breast milk contains turbo-charged immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing guards against ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies show that it may also enhance your baby's brain power and help protect them against insulin-dependent diabetes, Crohn's disease, colitis, and certain forms of cancer later in life. Colostrum, the thin yellow "pre-milk" that flows from the breasts during the first few days after birth, is especially rich in disease-fighting antibodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life. If this commitment isn't realistic, aim to breastfeed for at least the first two to three months in order to supplement the immunity your baby received in utero. Exercise as a family Research shows that exercise increases the number of natural killer cells in adults— and regular activity can benefit kids in the same way, says Ranjit Chandra, M.D., a pediatric immunologist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. To get your children into a lifelong fitness habit, be a good role model. "Exercise with them rather than just urge them to go outside and play," says Renee Stucky, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Columbia, Missouri. Fun family activities include bike riding, hiking, inline skating, basketball, and tennis. Ways to BOOST Your Child's Immunity