5 steps to boost students' immunity



Helpful tips plus 2 recipes guaranteed to please

Recipes to boost your kids' immunity


Heading to the classroom means opening doors to opportunities for educational and social growth, but to keep students at school day after day, it’s important to keep health top of mind. When close proximity to other children exposes them to illnesses like common colds, strong immune systems can be the difference between perfect attendance and a few days of absences.

To help boost your children’s immunity, consider these tips from the experts at Healthy Family Project.

Eat Healthy Foods
Focusing on foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help boost immunity by protecting the body from free radicals that cause inflammation and damage cells. For example, vitamin C boosts the function of immune cells and foods high in fiber help keep the digestive system healthy.

Broccoli provides a good source of vitamin C, but if your kids aren’t big fans of the green veggie, turn to these Broccoli Tater Tots for an easy way to sneak some greens onto the family table. Due to their high vitamin C content, mandarins are another perfect addition to family diets. Their small size makes them easy to pack in lunches, toss in a bag or enjoy in a sweet treat like Frozen Creamsicle Yogurt Bites.

Get Plenty of Sleep
The Sleep Foundation recommends 9-11 hours of sleep each night for kids ages 6-13. Proper sleep helps regulate the body’s biological rhythms, helping people stay healthy.  

Exercise Regularly
Whether your children participate in sports or just enjoy playtime, encourage exercise to help boost the immune response, particularly during colder months when they may spend more time indoors.

Reduce Stress
Adults aren’t the only ones who experience stress. Talk to your children about anxiety, stress and mental health, as stress can leave them feeling run down while weakening the immune system, leading to less energy for fighting illnesses.

Drink Water
Hydration plays a major role in keeping immune systems functioning properly by aiding the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infection.

Find more immunity-boosting recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Frozen Creamsicle Yogurt Bites

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

  • 1 mandarin orange
  • vanilla Greek yogurt
  • sprinkles
  1. Place one piece of parchment paper on baking sheet that fits in freezer.
  2. Peel mandarin and separate into individual slices. Place one big scoop yogurt in small bowl.
  3. Dip each mandarin slice in yogurt, covering about half of each slice. Place individual mandarin slices on parchment paper. Add sprinkles.
  4. Freeze at least 1 hour or overnight if adding to lunchboxes.

Broccoli Tater Tots

Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • cold water
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. In large stockpot, cover potatoes with cold water. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 3 minutes. Add broccoli; don't stir. Cover and cook 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
  3. In large bowl, mix egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and garlic powder until just combined.
  4. In food processor, pulse potatoes and broccoli 8-10 times until finely grated. Add to breadcrumb mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Use tablespoon to scoop potato mixture into 40 mounds. Shape each into oval and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake 10 minutes; flip and bake 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

(Family Features) 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • 2025 Free Fishing Days in New York State

    No freshwater fishing license required to fish on designated days

    Governor Kathy Hochul has announced designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: June 28-29, September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. read more »