Common colds are unavoidable, but there are ways to help reduce your child's number of sick days.

Parents would do anything for their children, especially when it comes to taking care of their health. However, germs and viruses are a fact of life, and kids can easily get them once they reach school age. Their immune systems are designed to protect their little bodies from foreign invaders, but sometimes they fail. With that said, strengthening the immune system is important.

Here are some healthy habits you can develop that will give your child's immune system the boost it needs.

Give them healthy tonics in place of Vitamin C

Vitamin C, as we know, prevents infections caused by bacteria and viruses, and therefore supports a healthy immune system. But did you know that there is a better alternative? Korean red ginseng is effective in boosting the immune system and energy in adults and children. It also enhances stamina and supports growth and cognition, something Vitamin C alone cannot do.

Although Korean red ginseng is popular in tea form, they also come in tonics. Making adults drink tonics is easy, as they can withstand strong flavors. But it can be quite tricky with kids, especially if they are picky about what they eat and drink. That is why Korean Ginseng Corp came up with Kid Tonic, a delicious healthy drink that contains the best Korean red ginseng, as well as Vitamin C, jujube fruit, and deer antler extract -- all of which are known to boost the immune system effectively. The lightly-sweetened Kid Tonic drinks are also conveniently packed and easy to open, making them ideal for school lunches.

There are four types of kid’s ginseng tonics from KGC, and each is specially formulated for different age groups:

Kid Tonic Step 1 - for ages 3 to 4 or children of preschool ages. Step 1 is specially formulated to support a solid immune system and healthy growth.

Kid Tonic Step 2 - for ages 5 to 7. Step 2 provides your children with immune enhancement they need at this age.

Kid Tonic Step 3 - for ages 8 to 10. At this age, consistent health care is more crucial. Step 3 is specially formulated to enhance kids’ stamina and immune system.

iPass Student Tonic - for children ages 11 and up. Studying and getting high grades are very important for the older kids. iPass is based on traditional Korean herbal medicine 'Chongmyungtang, ' which is used for the improvement of memory and concentration of active students.

The Kid Tonics and iPass are also ideal to give to children who hate taking vitamin syrup or tablets. 

Make sure they're getting enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation makes a person more at risk of getting sick, regardless of age, as it weakens the immune system. According to pediatricians, babies need about 16 hours a day of sleep, toddlers 11 to 14 hours, and pre-schoolers need 10 to 13 hours of sleep. Children at daycare are even more susceptible to sleep deprivation because fun activities make it difficult for them to take naps. So if you can’t make your kid take naps during the day, put them to bed earlier.

Practice proper hygiene.

The best way to avoid getting sick is to keep the body clean. Frequent hand washing slows the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause cough, colds, and flu. Teach the kids to always wash their hands when they get home, as well as before eating. Give them a warm bath before going to bed and make sure that they change their clothes. Also, make it a habit to bring a small bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer when going out in case they get their hands dirty.

Exercise as a family.

Exercise is one surefire way to strengthen the immune system and maintain a healthy weight. Encourage the kids to exercise by doing it with the whole family. It can be as simple as an early morning jog or an afternoon walk together. Other fun family activities include going to a dance class, playing, basketball, biking, and swimming. Not only does exercise boost the immune system, but it is also a good bonding time for the entire family.