Health&Safety

ELC & Kindergarten

How to blow your nose

Let's blow your nose properly 

1. Take a breath in through your mouth. Cover your entire nose with a tissue.
2. Place a finger on one nostril and slowly blow one side into the tissue. Be careful not to blow too hard.
3. Wipe up the nasal discharge and dispose of the tissue in the bin.

Nasal discharge colors
clear:
Clear mucus can be seen due to temperature changes or early symptoms of a cold. If not wiped properly, nasal discharge can cause skin irritation around the nose.

yellow-green:
Yellow and green mucus may indicate a bacterial infection. If the color is closer to green, the symptoms are worse and you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In addition, since the mucus texture is thicker than clear mucus, it may accumulate in the back of the nose. If this happens, try to humidify the area to make it easier to get the mucus out of the nose.

Influenza

Difference between influenza and cold
The main difference between the influenza and a cold is the type of virus and the symptoms. Let's find out the difference so that we can take appropriate measures in the early symptom stage.

 

About Influenza Encephalitis

This is one of the complications of influenza and mainly occurs in children under 5 years of age. Relatively early after the onset of the disease, the patient may show signs of impaired consciousness, such as convulsions and unresponsiveness to calls for help, as well as sudden anger and irritability. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Toward the Next Step

While some children are excited to " move on to the next grade", others may feel unstable, tired, and insecure without even realizing it. The following are signs of stress buildup.

• Seeming down for no apparent reason
• Increased irritability, clingy, increased need for attention
• Inability to sleep well
• New or recurrent bedwetting 
• Eating less
• Becoming absentminded

If you see any of these signs, please 　

• Listen to your child carefully.
• Make time for physical contact with your child.
• Spend more time with your child.

Elementary / Secondary 

Infectious Diseases in Winter

Winter is a season of low temperatures and low humidity, which can lead to an increase in certain infectious diseases. Some gastroenteritis outbreaks occur in summer, when food tends to go bad, while other outbreaks occur in winter regardless of food spoilage. Most of them are caused by insufficient cooking or secondary infection of contaminated objects. Norovirus and rotavirus are typical examples.
For infections with cold symptoms, such as influenza, please do not treat the symptoms yourself, but seek appropriate medical advice and treatment. Incubation periods vary. Even if you don't feel sick right away, you may still be able to spread the infection to others. To learn when it is safe to be around others again, please refer to the guidelines below.

Norovirus

Incubation period: 12～48hours
Symptoms: Vomiting, Stomach ache, Diarrhea, Fever,
In case of infection: Hydration, If dehydration is severe, intravenous fluids should be administered at a medical institution.
Prevention: Hand wash, Prevent secondary infection from contaminants, Pay attention to food handling
Going out: After vomiting and diarrhea have resolved and the patient's condition has improved.
 

Rotavirus

Incubation period: 1～3days
Symptoms: Vomiting, Stomach ache, Diarrhea(In some cases, white stool), Fever,
In case of infection: Hydration, If dehydration is severe, intravenous fluids should be administered at a medical institution.
Prevention: Hand wash, Prevent secondary infection from contaminants, Pay attention to food handling
Going out: After vomiting and diarrhea have resolved and the patient's condition has improved.
 

Influenza

Incubation period: 1～3days
Symptoms: Fever, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Fatigue
In case of infection: Medication as directed by physician, Hydration, antipyretic treatment
Prevention: Handwashing and gargling, Humidification, Wearing a mask
Going out: After vomiting and diarrhea have resolved and the patient's condition has improved.

Streptococcal infection

Incubation period: 2–5 days
Symptoms: Fever, Sore and swollen throat, Rash, Strawberry tongue, Take medications as directed by the physician. *Take all the medication provided.
In case of infection: Medication as directed by physician, Hydration, antipyretic treatment
Prevention: Handwashing and gargling, Humidification, Wearing a mask, Use different towels for each.
Going out: After 24 hours of proper treatment has been administered and the condition has improved.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection

Incubation period: 4–6 days
Symptoms: Fever, Cough, Snot
In case of infection: symptomatic treatment
Prevention: Handwashing and gargling, Humidification, Wearing a mask, Use separate towels
Going out: Once symptoms have resolved.

 

Boost Your Immune System

Immunity refers to the body's ability to protect against external factors such as disease-causing viruses and bacteria, to prevent illness, and to cure illnesses that have been contracted. While it is important to take measures against infectious diseases such as handwashing, disinfecting, and wearing masks, viruses and bacteria can still enter the body, no matter how careful we are. In such cases, people with a strong immune system are able to kill the virus or bacteria that have entered their bodies and remain healthy. In addition, they are also able to recover quickly from infections.

Your gut affects your immune system

In order to enhance the immune system, the function of the " gut" is important. Inside the gut, about 60–70% of the body's immune cells are present. Good condition and active function of the gut enhances the immune system.

Tips for a healthy lifestyle for your gut

• Fermented foods
  They help regulate the intestinal environment.
  (Yogurt, cheese, miso, natto, and kimchi, etc.,)
• Dietary fiber
  It improves bowel movements.
• (Mushrooms, seaweeds [wakame seaweed, mozuku seaweed, etc.], and root vegetables such as gobo [burdock root] and kiriboshi-daikon [dried radish])
• Avoid stress
  Stress decreases the function of the gut. It is necessary to relieve stress.
• Avoid chilling your body
  The gut is very sensitive to "cold" and its function is impaired. It is important to warm up your body by drinking warm drinks and taking baths. In addition, protect your body from cold by using a belly band or body warmer as you like.
   

Body Temperature affects your immune system

It is said that a 1°C drop in body temperature decreases the immune system by about 30%, while a 1°C rise in body temperature increases it by 5 to 6 times. Let's practice methods to raise body temperature, promote blood flow in the body, and boost your immunity.

Tips for raising your body temperature

• Bath
  Take a bath to warm the core of your body.
• Physical activity 
  Exercise raises body temperature due to heat generated by muscles and improves blood circulation.
• Food
  Spiced vegetables such as ginger, garlic, onions, and leeks have a warming effect on the body.
   

Laughter affects your immune system

When we laugh, this information is transmitted to the brain, which produces substances that activate NK cells to fight viruses and bacteria. Conversely, when negative information such as sadness or stress is transmitted, the function of NK cells is reduced. It is said that if you laugh out loud, even though you don't think something is funny, your brain misunderstands it as being funny. Thinking positively and laughing more will help to improve your health!