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Healthy Eating: An introduction for children aged 5-11

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In many places, people are wearing masks when they're in public because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It's an important way to help slow the spread of the virus.

At first, it was mostly doctors, nurses, and others in health care settings who wore masks. But now, as other people wear them, more and more kids are seeing something they're not used to seeing. For them, it can be strange or a little scary, especially if they need to put on masks too.

Most kids can feel comfortable seeing people in masks, as long as adults:

Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks.

Give kids time to look, watch, and get used to what's new.

Answer kids' questions.

Give support.

Some toddlers and young children may feel uneasy about masks. They may need extra support and comfort from parents. Parents also can help kids understand why they might need to wear a mask, and make them more comfortable and even fun to wear.

How Do Kids React to Masks?

How kids react to seeing masks partly depends on their age. Older kids might not react much at all. To them, masks might seem like no big deal. Most are able to adjust pretty quickly.

Some kids may even be eager to wear a mask. They might embrace their new look as a medical superhero.

But for babies, toddlers, and young kids, seeing people in masks might take some getting used to. At first, they may feel cautious. They may need a few minutes to look and watch. That can help them get used to what's new. They may need a parent to gently say, "It's OK." That can help them relax.

Some babies, toddlers, and young kids may feel upset or afraid. They might cry, hide their face, or cling to a parent. Soothing words, comfort, and the safety of a parent's lap can help calm them.

Why Do Some Young Kids Feel Scared of Masks?

Masks hide part of a person's face. Young children rely on faces. From the time they are babies, young children look at faces for the signals they need to feel safe.

When faces are partly hidden by masks, kids can't see the friendly smile or familiar look that usually puts them at ease. When kids can't see the person's whole face, it's harder to feel safe. It's natural to feel scared.

But slowly and gently, parents can help kids feel more comfortable. Even very young kids can learn that something that seemed too scary at first is not so scary after all.

How Can Parents Help Kids Wear a Mask?

Cloth face coverings (or a face mask, if you have one) on adults and kids over 2 years old can help slow the spread of the virus. Here are some ways to help kids wear masks when you go out:

Help kids get used to masks. As much as you can, give kids time to practice wearing their masks before they might need to wear one outside of your home. Teach them how to put them on and take them off.

Encourage kids to decorate their mask. This might help them feel a sense of ownership and control over the situation. A personal touch can help make it more of a normal part of their routine, and make it more likely they'll want to wear their mask. Depending on the type of mask, kids can draw on it with markers or put stickers on it.

Make them together. If you make face coverings at home, let older kids help you. There are no-sew masks that are easy to make, often with materials you probably already have (T-shirts, bandannas, etc.). If you sew masks, maybe kids can select the fabric or patterns for the masks they'll wear.

Help make it fun. With younger kids, introduce a sense of play. Kids can pretend to be a doctor or nurse while wearing their masks. They might want to use a doctor kit and "take care" of a stuffed animal or doll.

Have a few masks handy while kids play. This lets them use their imagination about how to use them during playtime. It also helps make masks a more normal part their everyday world. You can ask your child to put a mask on a stuffed animal, and then ask follow-up questions about why the stuffed animal is wearing the mask. Depending on your child's response, you can clear up any confusion and offer reassurance.

How Can I Help My Child During Medical Visits?

For older kids:

Tell kids what to expect and why. Mention masking before the visit, if you can. For kids old enough to understand, you might say, "I think we'll see doctors and nurses wearing their masks today. It's a new thing they're doing to stopgerms." Explain it in a way that seems matter of fact and calm.

If you will wear masks, tell your child, "We might get to wear masks too. We want to stop germs too, right?" Knowing what to expect helps kids of all ages feel prepared and more at ease.

Explain the upside. Be honest, but focus on the good that masks can do, rather than the bad things a virus can do. For example, you might say, "Because of the coronavirus that's going around, everyone is doing extra things to stop its germs from spreading. Wearing masks is one of the ways we can stop the virus."

Let kids show what they know. Invite school-age kids to tell you the other things you already do as a family to stop germs. For example, prompt kids to say or show how theywash their hands. Give them a word of praise to help them feel proud and capable.

When kids know there arethings they can do, they feel confident and more at ease.

For younger kids who feel upset by masks:

Accept how they react. Know that it's normal for young kids to react with caution to things they don't expect, understand, or feel familiar with. Let them take their time to warm up to what's new.

Comfort them. Kids will look to you to soothe and support them. Let them sit on your lap. Tell them, "You're OK, I'm here." When you help them feel safe, they can start to adjust to what's different or new. They can start to feel less cautious and more curious.

Be playful and show love. If the moment seems right, find a way to be playful with your child. While you're still at the medical visit, is there a way to help your child laugh, smile, or giggle? Laughing is relaxing. And a few sweet moments help balance out the stressful ones.

After the visit:

If your child seemed upset, worried, or stressed during the visit, doing these things can help:

Talk about it. After the visit, it can help to talk with your child. You might say, "Everybody looked different today wearing those masks, didn't they?" Then listen. Let your child tell you what it was like for them. Find ways to praise your child. "It wasn't easy. You did great. I'm proud of you." Call out a bright spot. "I'm glad we got to wave to the nurse who took care of you last time. I think it made him feel happy too."

Invite your child to draw or play about it. Together, you could draw pictures of people wearing masks and not wearing masks. Or make a play mask and let a doll or stuffed animal try it on.

Play and drawing can help kids work out what they saw and felt. They are a way to rehash and rehearse. And that helps kids feel a little more prepared for next time.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Helping Kids Get Used to Masks

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In many places, people are wearing masks when they're in public because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It's an important way to help slow the spread of the virus. At first, it was mostly doctors, nurses, and others in health care settings who wore masks.

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The ultimate kids' guide to the new coronavirus

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"Will school be closed?" and "Should I be worried about getting sick?"

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If you've been watching the news lately, chances are you'll have heard lots about an illness that's affecting people around the world, called coronavirus.
It's natural to feel worried about stuff you read in the news. If you're feeling anxious about coronavirus, talk to a trusted grown-up, like a parent, guardian or teacher about how you're feeling. You can also find online support on the Open Minds website.

What is coronavirus?

How did the coronavirus outbreak start?

It's not completely clear how the outbreak started, but it's thought it's likely to have begun in Wuhan, China at a local meat market known to sell wild animal meat.

We still don't know for sure which animal sparked the outbreak, but it's thought that the new virus could have originated in bats. Bats weren't sold at the market, but they may have come into contact with the animals that were.

How is coronavirus spread?

Because we haven't encountered this virus before, scientists have had to work hard to discover exactly how it spreads. Similar viruses, like colds and flu, spread through water droplets in coughs and sneezes. These droplets can live on surfaces and spread when someone touches them with their hands. People become infected when they then touch their hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.

Coronavirus is mostly spread through the air, when people are in close contact with each other. This is why it's very important that we socially distance from other people, and wear a mask. Wearing a mask over your mouth and nose helps to stop your water droplets from reaching other people. If we all wear masks, we all keep our droplets to ourselves!

Being in places with lots of fresh air also helps stop these droplets from reaching other people, which is why we don't have to wear our masks outside. Some places you go to, like your school, might open windows and doors to help with this, too.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

For the most people, including kids, this coronavirus isn't dangerous. It will make them feel poorly for a short time, before they make a full recovery. For a few people, like the elderly and people who have long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma, the risk of becoming very ill is more serious. That's why these people are making extra efforts to have less face-to-face contact with others at the moment.

That means you might have to change the way you keep in touch with grandparents, friends or family who are vulnerable, for the time-being. For example, how about video calling your grandparents, or sending them a letter? It's good to keep in touch, but in a way that keeps you and others safe.

Coronavirus symptoms include:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough

- a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste

If you feel poorly, tell a trusted adult like a parent, guardian or teacher.

What can I do?

There are plenty of small, easy things you can do. You probably do some of them already, but at this time, we all just need to be extra sensible and cautious as we go about our daily lives and activities:

- Wash your hands more regularly, for at least 20 seconds - that's about as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice! Dry them with a paper towel and then chuck it in the bin!

- If you can't wash your hands with soap and water, then use hand-sanitiser.

- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Bin the tissue and wash your hands afterwards.

- Avoid contact with people who feel unwell, or if you feel poorly, let a trusted adult know.

What are people doing about coronavirus?

Scientists have created a vaccine for COVID-19, in record time! Vaccines give people protection from the virus. In the UK, they're being given to the most vulnerable people, like grandparents and hospital staff, first, because they are at the highest risk of catching coronavirus. Some people have already received the vaccine, which is brilliant news!

In the meantime, there are lots of changes being made to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Some of them might feel a bit scary or unusual, but rest assured, they're being made to keep you and others safe:

- Everyone is now ' social distancing' from most other people. This basically means keeping your distance from others, avoiding social gatherings like meeting with friends, going to sporting events or gigs. This is to help prevent the virus from passing from person to person.

- Your parents may be asked to work from home. This might mean your family routine changes while they spend more time than usual at home.

- Cafés, restaurants, events and other public places may be closed.

These changes won't be around forever, but they are important steps towards slowing the spread of coronavirus.

Should I be worried?

You might feel worried about coronavirus, about how it might affect you, your family and friends, and the changes that we are making to our daily lives at this time. The important thing to remember is that we are all in this together. Talk to your friends and family about your worries and work out how you will support each other during the coming weeks, ensuring you all stay happy and healthy.

Things you can do:

- Have a break from talking or thinking about coronavirus. Keep yourself busy and don't overcheck the news.

- Don't believe everything that your friends tell you about coronavirus. Check the facts with a parent or trusted adult.

You can access free online school resources in our Primary Resources section! We cover all of your favourite subjects like Ancient Egypt, rainforests, dinosaurs and space!

Images ⓒ Getty Images: coronavirus structure (1209871896), sneezing boy (1127920667), children handwashing (700709633), girl reading (909239264).

Did you find our coronavirus article helpful? Let us know by leaving a comment below...

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If you've been watching the news lately, chances are you'll have heard lots about a virus called coronavirus. What is coronavirus, how is it spread and what can you do...

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The human body needs a balanced diet to work properly. Good health involves drinking enough water and eating the right amount of foods from the different food groups:

1. Carbohydrates give us energy. They are found in foods such as bread, potatoes and pasta.

2. help our bodies to repair themselves. They are found in foods such as fish, meat, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs and cheese.

3. help store energy for our bodies. They are found in foods such as butter, cheese, nuts and fried food.

4. is important for helping us digest our foods. It's found in fruit and vegetables.

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The human body needs a balanced diet to work properly. Good health involves drinking enough water and eating the right amount of foods from the different food groups: Carbohydrates give us energy. They are found in foods such as bread, potatoes and pasta. help our bodies to repair themselves.

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Keeping healthy | TheSchoolRun

What does it mean to keep healthy?
Keeping healthy means doing things that are good for your body - things like eating nutritious foods, exercising, brushing your teeth and getting enough sleep.
It's important to understand how what you eat and what you do affects your body. A balanced diet means that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps prevent tooth decay. Exercising for around 30-60 minutes each day means that you'll stay fit and burn the right amount of calories.

Top 10 facts

Did you know?

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Keeping healthy | TheSchoolRun Keeping healthy means doing things that are good for your body - things like eating nutritious foods, exercising, brushing your teeth and getting enough sleep. It's important to understand how what you eat and what you do affects your body.

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Abstract

Do you know that the foods you eat impact your health? Most importantly, what you eat can have negative effects on the most complex organ in your body: your brain! Amazingly, the food you eat affects neurons, which are the major cells of the brain. In the brain, an unhealthy diet that is rich in fats and sugars causes inflammation of neurons and inhibits the formation of new neurons. This can affect the way the brain works and contribute to brain disorders like depression. On the other hand, a diet that contains healthy nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, is beneficial for brain health. Such a diet improves the formation of neurons and leads to improved thinking, attention, and memory. In sum, a healthy diet makes the brain happy, so we should all pay attention to what we eat.

Feeding the Brain

Like everyone, you may have wondered, "Why do my parents urge me to eat fruits and veggies and to stop eating junk foods?" The answer is, "You are what you eat!" What we eat can determine the composition and the activities of our cells. A healthy diet with the proper amounts of nutrients should be eaten regularly, to keep our cells and organs- including the brain-healthy.

The brain is the most complex organ of the human body. Throughout life, the brain monitors our daily operations and activities and communicates with other organs, coordinating their functions. Brain cells called communicate with each other and with other organs, such as the muscles. For example, when you want to move your hand, the brain sends a message to muscles in the hand, telling them to contract. Neurons also communicate with other cells in the brain, called , which support the neurons. There are two types of glial cells: microglia and astrocytes. Microglia are the main immune cells of the brain, helping to protect the brain from infections. Astrocytes provide neurons with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

You can see that communication-both with other cells in the brain and with the rest of the body-is the brain's most important job. Messages sent by the brain not only allow us to perform physical tasks like moving around, but also help us to perform cognitive tasks. Cognitive tasks include actions like thinking, learning, remembering, memorizing, planning, imagining, organizing, and concentrating. Therefore, a problem that affects the brain can change our thinking, emotions, or behaviors. The proper nutrition found in a healthy diet can improve many brain functions, while a poor diet can have a negative effect on our cognitive functions []. A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy brain!

How Does a Healthy Diet Improve Brain Functions?

There is a direct relationship between the foods we eat and the functioning of our brains. Proper, healthy nutrition can benefit the brain in several positive ways. A healthy diet can increase the production of new neurons, a process called . What we eat can also affect the of the brain. Synaptic plasticity is simply a measure of the number of connections between neurons. The more the connections between neurons the better they can communicate, and the better we can learn, think, and memorize.

The hippocampus is one of the most important structures of the brain ( Figure 1). It helps to regulate memory and neurogenesis. Neurons, including those in the hippocampus, produce and use many molecules to send and receive messages. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one such molecule. BDNF can protect neurons from death, increase neurogenesis, and improve our cognitive abilities. A healthy diet can increase the levels of BDNF and improve neurogenesis in the hippocampus. This increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus can improve our learning, memory, mood, attention, and mental health [].

Figure 1 - The human brain.

The hippocampus and the hypothalamus are the brain areas most affected by brain inflammation caused by a diet high in fats. The hippocampus regulates neurogenesis and memory. The hypothalamus, among other functions, is responsible for the control of body weight.

What About an Unhealthy Diet?

Did you know that the gut and the brain are connected? These two body organs are connected by neurons that transmit messages back and forth between them. The food we eat is sensed by the neurons of the gut, which then send signals to alert the brain. This connection and the resulting communication are called the gut-brain axis. Because of the gut-brain axis, it is not surprising that an unhealthy diet can cause problems with cognitive functions such as remembering, learning, or thinking.

An unhealthy diet causes the body to release too much of a type of stress hormone that can activate the brain's microglia and astrocytes. In fact, the stress hormone activates microglia and astrocytes at times when they should not be active. This activation can cause in certain parts of the brain, including the hippocampus. Inflammation in the hippocampus can negatively affect our cognitive abilities, which makes it harder to plan, focus, or remember things. This inflammation can even lead to depression [].

What Should I Eat to Keep My Brain Healthy?

Certain food we eat can help our brains to function properly. Food components such as have been shown to improve brain function [ 3]. If we do not eat enough omega-3 fatty acids, then inflammation-and its resulting negative cognitive effects-may take place in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient, which means that we need to get them through what we eat because the body cannot make them. One omega-3 fatty acid, called α-linolenic acid, is common in plants like walnuts and in edible seeds like flax seeds. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fish oils. A diet rich in fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the risk of certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease or depression.

In our lab, we asked whether DHA could protect the neurons of mice after a brain injury. We and other scientists found that DHA can lower the amount of inflammation that happens in the brain following brain injury. We also found that DHA increases neurogenesis and decreases the death of neurons that are injured. Finally, DHA increases the numbers of microglia and astrocytes near the location of brain injury. Interestingly, when DHA helped to decrease the death of neurons, the injured mice showed better cognitive abilities than mice that were injured but did not receive DHA.

Studies by other scientists have indicated that taking DHA during pregnancy can improve the development of the neurons of the unborn baby [, ]. Also, DHA is needed in early life when the body and brain are still growing. In fact, intake of DHA at young age can increase the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis) and improve cognitive abilities. On the other hand, if young people do not get enough DHA there can be negative effects, since their brains are still developing and that is when DHA is most important. Scientists have found that young people who do not get enough DHA can have problems with neurogenesis, which can lead to issues with behavior and . Interestingly, intake of DHA can reverse these negative effects. From all this evidence, you can probably see that getting lots of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet will help keep your brain healthy!

Which Foods Should I Avoid to Keep My Brain Happy?

When it comes to brain health, knowing which foods to avoid is just as important as knowing which foods to eat! A bad diet can be unhealthy for your body and your brain. For example, eating a lot of sugars can affect the brain's memory and learning functions. Sodas contain a lot of sugars, and even diet sodas, which contain artificial sweeteners, are not good for the brain. The artificial sweetener, aspartame, in diet sodas can make you irritable or anxious and can cause sleep disturbances ( Figure 2).

Figure 2 - Effects of unhealthy foods on the brain.

Drinking sodas or energy drinks containing the artificial sweetener aspartame can cause irritability, anxiety, and sleep difficulties called insomnia. Eating trans-fats can increase the risk of cognitive problems and Alzheimer's disease. Too much sugar in the diet can affect brain's memory and learning abilities.

A high-fat diet is also unhealthy because it can lead to in the brain. Oxidative stress is a harmful process that can disrupt several structures inside cells []. In addition, scientists have found that consuming a high-fat diet can activate microglia, which can cause inflammation in both the hippocampus and the hypothalamus, which are important areas of the brain ( Figure 1). The hypothalamus is responsible for control of body weight, among other functions. Inflammation in the brain's weight-control center can make a person eat even more [].

Have you heard of trans-fats? Trans-fats are artificial fats that are considered the worst type of fats to eat. Trans-fats have many negative effects, but in the brain, they can increase the risk of cognitive problems, anxiety, and even Alzheimer's disease. Trans-fats can be found in margarines, frostings, snacks, and store-bought cookies and cakes. So, avoid them to protect your brain!

In another experiment in our lab, we fed a group of mice a high-fat diet for a long period of time. These mice gained a lot of weight and became obese! These obese mice, due to eating a high-fat diet, had much more inflammation in their brains and more death of neurons in response to brain injury than did thin mice eating a normal diet. Other scientists found that eating a high-fat diet can even delay the recovery of a person suffering from a brain injury, by decreasing production of BDNF in the brain, leading to a decrease in neurogenesis []. Decreased neurogenesis makes it harder for the brain to regain its functions after an injury. As if this is not bad enough, a high-fat diet can worsen memory, learning, and other cognitive problems that take place after a brain injury.

Take-Home Message

The brain performs many essential functions, including regulating our mental health and physical well-being. So, we should work hard to keep it healthy! As a result, we should be careful when choosing what we eat, since our diet can have a huge impact on brain health. We should eat foods rich in healthy nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet can improve our cognitive functions, such as our ability to concentrate, remember, learn, and think. We should also try to avoid or minimize the intake of foods rich in fats or sugars, which when taken in high amounts can lead to inflammation in the brain, decreased neurogenesis, and defects in brain functions. Figure 3 can help guide you in your diet decisions. A healthy diet will help your brain perform better, and this will help you to learn better at school, remember things more easily, and avoid quick changes in mood. To conclude, carefully watch what you eat, since your diet can make or break it when it comes to your brain health!

Figure 3 - Eating healthy foods, and avoiding unhealthy foods, can help to keep the brain healthy.

In general, healthy foods contain proper amount of carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and fibers, however, unhealthy foods contain high amount of sugars and fats.

Glossary

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Healthy Meal, Happy Brain: How Diet Affects Brain Functioning

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Do you know that the foods you eat impact your health? Most importantly, what you eat can have negative effects on the most complex organ in your body: your brain! Amazingly, the food you eat affects neurons, which are the major cells of the brain.

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Imagine if your body was a fancy sports car. What kind of fuel would you put in it? Would you give it the best fuel you could buy or whatever was around? Your body actually is a little like a sports car. When you give your body good food every day, you have energy to grow and play. You get sick less often. You grow and become strong. If you give your body poor fuel, it won't work as well. You might have less energy or get sick more often.

So what kind of fuel does your body need? Your body needs minerals, vitamins, fiber, fats and protein every day. Each of these foods has a different purpose.

Fun Facts about Healthy Food for Kids

Minerals make healthy skin and strong bones and teeth.

Fiber helps your body digest food. It is found in vegetables, whole grains and fruit.

Vitamins help your body stay healthy and fight disease. Vitamins are found in fruit and vegetables.

Fats in milk products, meat and fish help your body build healthy nerves and fight off disease.

Protein, which is found in meat, milk products, beans and fish, builds muscles and repairs damage.

Healthy Food Vocabulary

Learn More About What is Healthy Food for Your Body

Watch this video about food for your body:

A very funny but true and informative video about unhealthy foods and why they are harmful. If you have sensitivity to what some consider inappropriate language, then best do not watch it. There is one such instance in minute 3, where presenter says you are damaging your liver, especially when using Agave syrup with alcohol and uses the F* word. We kept this video for its honest and informative value as well as entertaining presentation. Let us know if this is the right decision or if you can recommend a better video equivalent without the F* word yu know about which we missed - add a comment below. Thanks!

Healthy Food Q&A

Question: What types of food should I eat every day?

Answer: Try to eat lots of different kinds of food every day. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are especially good for you. You also need milk, cheese, meat and whole grains like brown rice or whole-wheat bread.

------------

Question: Are there any foods I shouldn't eat?

Answer: Many... See the following recommendations:

Candy, sweets, soft drinks and sodas. Eating these will rot your teeth, cause you to gain weight or even make you sick. See Mercola.com website for info on how sugar can kill you and damage your brain. Dr. Mercola writes: "This Addictive Commonly Used Food Feeds Cancer Cells, Triggers Weight Gain, and Promotes Premature Aging".

High fructose corn syrup and Agave syrup.

Fast foods like McDonald's and others, greasy oily foods cooked in bad types of oils with unnatural modifications like those made from Genetically Modified crops and 'reduced calorie' lab oils that are not natural which are used for potato chips and fried snacks. Best use organic cold pressed olive oil for your salads and for simple low heat frying and cold pressed coconut oil when frying on very high heat things like a steak.

GMO/GE foods of any kind; especially dangerous are potatoes and corn. Genetically modified foods are associated with growing cancer rate, infertility rate and many diseases. Lab animals refuse eating them and so should we. Bees and some insects are dying out due to the pollen from these crops. The Chinese government recently banned the sale of GMO rice in China to avoid making their population sick. However they export it to many other countries. Best eat organic food and make sure it is organic at the seed level, as some GMO vegetables and fruits are being inoculated with all kinds of drugs and pesticides.

Dairy products - considered primary risk for breast cancer and other sicknesses, including respiratory problems. Especially when not from healthy free range organic source and if not raw milk.

Soy and its derivatives - many sicknesses

MSG in your food is dangerous for your health. Most snacks and commercial foods and even many restaurants use MSG to enhance flavor of food but it is not good for health.

And plenty more - read Mercola.com for good information on foods and how to eat healthy and safe!

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website about What is Healthy Food For Your Body info? Take the FREE & fun What is Healthy Food For Your Body quiz and download FREE What is Healthy Food For Your Body worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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Fun Healthy Food Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!)

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Imagine if your body was a fancy sports car. What kind of fuel would you put in it? Would you give it the best fuel you could buy or whatever was around? Your body actually is a little like a sports car. When you give your body good food every day, you have energy to grow and play.

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If you've been watching the news lately, chances are you'll have heard lots about an illness that's affecting people around the world, called coronavirus.
It's natural to feel worried about stuff you read in the news. If you're feeling anxious about coronavirus, talk to a trusted grown-up, like a parent, guardian or teacher about how you're feeling. You can also find online support on the Open Minds website.

What is coronavirus?

How did the coronavirus outbreak start?

It's not completely clear how the outbreak started, but it's thought it's likely to have begun in Wuhan, China at a local meat market known to sell wild animal meat.

We still don't know for sure which animal sparked the outbreak, but it's thought that the new virus could have originated in bats. Bats weren't sold at the market, but they may have come into contact with the animals that were.

How is coronavirus spread?

Because we haven't encountered this virus before, scientists have had to work hard to discover exactly how it spreads. Similar viruses, like colds and flu, spread through water droplets in coughs and sneezes. These droplets can live on surfaces and spread when someone touches them with their hands. People become infected when they then touch their hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.

Coronavirus is mostly spread through the air, when people are in close contact with each other. This is why it's very important that we socially distance from other people, and wear a mask. Wearing a mask over your mouth and nose helps to stop your water droplets from reaching other people. If we all wear masks, we all keep our droplets to ourselves!

Being in places with lots of fresh air also helps stop these droplets from reaching other people, which is why we don't have to wear our masks outside. Some places you go to, like your school, might open windows and doors to help with this, too.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

For the most people, including kids, this coronavirus isn't dangerous. It will make them feel poorly for a short time, before they make a full recovery. For a few people, like the elderly and people who have long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma, the risk of becoming very ill is more serious. That's why these people are making extra efforts to have less face-to-face contact with others at the moment.

That means you might have to change the way you keep in touch with grandparents, friends or family who are vulnerable, for the time-being. For example, how about video calling your grandparents, or sending them a letter? It's good to keep in touch, but in a way that keeps you and others safe.

Coronavirus symptoms include:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough

- a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste

If you feel poorly, tell a trusted adult like a parent, guardian or teacher.

What can I do?

There are plenty of small, easy things you can do. You probably do some of them already, but at this time, we all just need to be extra sensible and cautious as we go about our daily lives and activities:

- Wash your hands more regularly, for at least 20 seconds - that's about as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice! Dry them with a paper towel and then chuck it in the bin!

- If you can't wash your hands with soap and water, then use hand-sanitiser.

- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Bin the tissue and wash your hands afterwards.

- Avoid contact with people who feel unwell, or if you feel poorly, let a trusted adult know.

What are people doing about coronavirus?

Scientists have created a vaccine for COVID-19, in record time! Vaccines give people protection from the virus. In the UK, they're being given to the most vulnerable people, like grandparents and hospital staff, first, because they are at the highest risk of catching coronavirus. Some people have already received the vaccine, which is brilliant news!

In the meantime, there are lots of changes being made to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Some of them might feel a bit scary or unusual, but rest assured, they're being made to keep you and others safe:

- Everyone is now ' social distancing' from most other people. This basically means keeping your distance from others, avoiding social gatherings like meeting with friends, going to sporting events or gigs. This is to help prevent the virus from passing from person to person.

- Your parents may be asked to work from home. This might mean your family routine changes while they spend more time than usual at home.

- Cafés, restaurants, events and other public places may be closed.

These changes won't be around forever, but they are important steps towards slowing the spread of coronavirus.

Should I be worried?

You might feel worried about coronavirus, about how it might affect you, your family and friends, and the changes that we are making to our daily lives at this time. The important thing to remember is that we are all in this together. Talk to your friends and family about your worries and work out how you will support each other during the coming weeks, ensuring you all stay happy and healthy.

Things you can do:

- Have a break from talking or thinking about coronavirus. Keep yourself busy and don't overcheck the news.

- Don't believe everything that your friends tell you about coronavirus. Check the facts with a parent or trusted adult.

You can access free online school resources in our Primary Resources section! We cover all of your favourite subjects like Ancient Egypt, rainforests, dinosaurs and space!

Images ⓒ Getty Images: coronavirus structure (1209871896), sneezing boy (1127920667), children handwashing (700709633), girl reading (909239264).

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If you've been watching the news lately, chances are you'll have heard lots about a virus called coronavirus. What is coronavirus, how is it spread and what can you do...

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By now you've probably heard of a disease called coronavirus (or, as doctors and scientists call it, COVID-19). It's all over the news, your parents are probably discussing it, and cities and schools are taking steps to prevent it from spreading. But what do kids need to know about this disease? Nat Geo Kids has the scoop on COVID-19.

So ... what is COVID-19? And what's a "coronavirus?"

The term "coronavirus" actually refers to a family of viruses that causes many different types of diseases, including the common cold. COVID-19 is a "novel coronavirus," which means it's a new disease unfamiliar to scientists and doctors. Its name is actually a mash-up of the words "corona" (CO); corona means "crown" in Latin (coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface), "virus" (VI), and "disease" (D). The "19" comes from the year 2019, when the disease was first detected.

How did COVID-19 start?

Some diseases start in animals before spreading to humans-these types of diseases are called zoonotic (pronounced zoh-uh-NAH-tik). Cows, bats, and camels are among the animals that have spread diseases to humans in the past. The COVID-19 disease is also zoonotic, with the first cases popping up in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The affected humans were all connected to a nearby market where live animals were sold, and where experts think the disease got its start.

How did COVID-19 get to the United States-and why did it spread so fast?

Scientists first began to detect cases of COVID-19 in China late last December. It's now spread to at least 114 countries and infected some 118,000 people around the world. The reason it has spread so quickly from country to country is because of how much humans travel now. As people travel from one place to another, COVID-19 travels with them. Since the disease is contagious, or can be spread from one person to another, one new visitor can infect many other people with the disease in the places they travel to. That's why scientists are encouraging people to stay home, to prevent the disease from spreading so quickly.

How does someone catch COVID-19?

COVID-19 can be transmitted by little droplets from coughs or sneezes, which is why doctors say you should always cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze. You could also pick it up by touching doorknobs or countertops that an infected person has touched, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. According to the World Health Organization, there's no evidence that a dog, cat, or any pet can transmit COVID-19.

How can I protect myself?

The best protection from COVID-19 is probably something you do every day: washing your hands. Make sure you're scrubbing them with soap more often than you normally do, for example, not just before you eat or after you've gone to the bathroom, but also after you've arrived back home from school. You also need to wash them long enough. Experts suggest scrubbing for at least 20 seconds-or about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. It's also good to stay away from large crowds of people where you can't be sure who might be infected. That's why some schools are closing-they don't want to take the risk of a few students who might unknowingly have the disease spread it to others.

Experts also say to cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around people who don't live with you. Masks work best when everyone wears one.

Finally, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others.

OK, but what happens if I do get it?

Most people who catch COVID-19 get better, and their illness is usually mild. And actually, few kids have even been affected. But if you do catch COVID-19, you might have a dry cough, a fever, and shortness of breath. But just like when you've had a cold, the best treatment is to stay in bed-and away from anyone who might catch it from you. (Like your grandparents! Older people are more at risk for catching COVID-19.) You might also not even know you have it, so keep washing your hands, just in case.

Will it go away?

Researchers hope that as weather gets warmer this summer, the number of COVID-19 cases will start to go down, just as similar diseases have done in the past. But since the disease is new and they don't know a lot about it, they're not sure this will happen. That's why experts are working so hard to figure out how to prevent people from getting the disease-and how to help them recover if they catch it. Dozens of drugs are already being tested around the world, and scientists are hoping to come up with a vaccine as soon as possible to prevent COVID-19 from spreading at this rate again.

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By now you've probably heard of a disease called coronavirus (or, as doctors and scientists call it, COVID-19). It's all over the news, your parents are probably discussing it, and cities and schools are taking steps to prevent it from spreading. But what do kids need to know about this disease?

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What is coronavirus? A fact sheet for kids

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15 Ways To Teach Mindfulness To Kids Infographic - e-Learning Infographics

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Teaching our children to experience, question and value the world around them not only adds to their childhood, but helps to build inquisitive and insightful adults. Children are naturally curious and uninhibited and those traits can be quite powerful, especially when focused on and expanded upon.

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How the Food you eat affects your brain.

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How the food you eat affects your brain - Mia Nacamulli

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People of Finland tout the things they love about the country

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Read Out Loud | I AM PEACE with Susan Verde

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