It's that time of year again where flu season has returned. There's nothing more heartbreaking than a sick child. Households around the country are bracing for stuffy noses, sore throats, scratchy coughs, and upset stomachs. Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to help your family avoid illness during flu season. Try the following four tips for a healthy household.

4 Ways to Keep Your Household Healthy for Flu Season

1. Exercise

Exercise is good for the whole family. For kids especially, regular exercise can strengthen the immune system and ward off the flu and other illnesses. Encourage everyone in the house to get a moderate amount of exercise, whether that means bundling up and going outdoors for a brisk walk or staying in and doing some low-impact aerobics.

2. Wash Hands Frequently

Now is the perfect time to institute a new rule: all family members are to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day. Hand washing is the single best thing anyone can do to prevent the spread of the flu. Have the kids practice this rule at school as well. Aim to wash with soap and water before and after meals, before and after playtime, and, of course, after using the restroom. Hand sanitizer is fine to use in a pinch, but soap and water are more effective.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Depending on their age, kids should get anywhere between 9 and 14 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can be just as detrimental as lack of exercise, weakening the immune system and upping the odds of having a sick child on your hands. Institute regular bedtimes, and stick to them — your child's immune system will thank you.

4. Eat Well

Include lots of green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits in your child's diet during flu season. In general, opt for whole foods and fewer processed items. And steer clear of sugars and overly fatty foods. A healthy diet makes for a healthy body, which is better equipped to fend off the flu.

The methods above can help every family member feel their best in the coming months. Sometimes, however, having a sick child is inevitable. For these situations, trust Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic PSC. Since 1976, they have provided pediatric care to sick children in Leitchfield, KY, and all of Grayson County. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, call (270) 259-5641, visit them online, or message them on Facebook or Twitter.