Holism is derived from the Greek word meaning 'all, entire, total' and is the idea that all 'the properties of a given system (be it biological, mental, social, universal etc) cannot be determined or explained by the sum of its component parts alone'. In line with this approach, quantum physics teaches that all elements in a system are interconnected and influence each other. This principle applies as much to the universe as it does to the functioning of the individual body and where better to start applying it than when considering the health of our children.

Modern medicine has gone to the opposite extreme in applying a reductionist approach to the treatment and prevention of illness. In terms of this approach, various medical specialities have sprung up which focus on parts of the whole – hence we have dentists, heart specialists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, gynaecologists, podiatrists, etc – each one concentrating on their area of expertise, sometimes at the expense of the whole person. Almost entirely gone are the days of the family doctor who dished out not only medicines but also common sense advice and support when it came to caring for our families. Gone are the days of the extended family where grandmother would advise how to treat a child with an upset stomach. Even longer gone are the days when the doctor, priest and philosopher were the same respected person in the community.  

As parents and guardians of our children, it is our duty and our privilege to promote physical, spiritual and emotional balance in our children. In this way we can support them through the crucial formative years in a safe and healthy manner, increasing their chance to bloom into healthy young adults and pass on healthy living to their children – completing the circle of good health and well-being. However, many parents are bombarded with conflicting advice on how to care for and support their children's overall health, often loosing sight of their own innate knowledge of what their children need. The result is often an over-reliance on 'experts' who may be more concerned with treatment of illness than with building health in a holistic way and therefore laying down firm foundations for adult health.

HARNESSING HOLISTIC HEALTH

The emphasis in holistic health is on building and supporting overall health, not only on fighting illness. Following this principle includes basic common sense ideas such as getting enough sleep, exercising, feeding the body with whole nutritional food and the spirit with soul food. It involves being aware of the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our children at each stage of their lives. When needed, it also involves supporting their bodies through illness in a way which strengthens, not compromises, their systems as a whole, rather than simply treating the earache of the toddler or the acne of the teenager. 

For parents, guardians and caregivers, this is the all-round health ideal when it comes to our children and teenagers. A holistic approach to health urges us to 'start off how we intend to finish' and for children and teenagers the formative years are a foundation for the years to follow. In order to do this with confidence, it is important to gather as much knowledge as possible to enable informed choice and to harness the body's own growth and healing abilities wherever possible. While this is an enormous subject, let us begin my focusing on some of the needs and growth tasks of children from 'tiny to teens'.

CHILDHOOD IMMUNE SYSTEM

Most parents of young children will tell you that their children always seem to be sick with some 'bug' or other. This can be very disruptive to the family as children need to be kept home from school, causing parents to stay out of work, often with colds and 'flu doing the rounds as one family member after the other succumbs to the illness. As children grow older, they may suffer less from day to day infections but could develop allergic reactions, fatigue, eating problems and hormonal changes that result in moodiness, acne and other related problems.

Modern life demands that such illnesses be dealt with swiftly and be kept to an absolute minimum. This involves strategies like immunisation (where appropriate) and approaches involving medical treatment such as antibiotics, cough suppressants, decongestants, pain killers, medication to bring down temperatures, antidepressants, cortisone, etc – all aimed at wiping out the virus, bacteria or imbalance that is 'causing' the problem and suppressing the symptoms as quickly as possible so that everyone can get back to 'normal'.

Unfortunately, this reductionist approach, which may or may not work in the short term, certainly does not even begin to address the long-term health of children and here are three reasons why:

Illness and infection are not caused by 'germs', 'bugs', viruses or bacteria.

Micro-organisms are everywhere. There is no place on earth they do not exist. Yes, they may be part of the process of developing an acute illness like 'flu or gastro-enteritis, but the real cause is a compromised immune system. Ask yourself why some children appear to catch every virus going while others are never or hardly ever ill. The difference lies in the child's immune system – not in controlling the 'bugs'. Sure, basic hygiene and safety needs to prevail, but waging war against germs using antibacterials, antivirals, antibiotics or any other form of 'anti', ultimately ends in denying the immune system an opportunity to become stronger and more intelligent. Herbal and homeopathic medicine that supports the immune system, as well as a healthy lifestyle, are more effective approaches, both short and long-term.

In order to strengthen the immune system, children need to get sick from time to time.

The immune system functions by learning to recognise invading organisms and working out ways of dealing with them. There is a good reason why early childhood is often associated with illnesses like measles, mumps, colds, 'flus, earaches, tummy upsets, etc. These can all be seen as ways in which the immune system is challenged to grow and become strong and intelligent. When we deny children the opportunity to deal with and recover from childhood illnesses, we set the stage for allergies to develop and for illness in later life.

Symptoms are functional

Mucous production, sneezing and coughing all drive viruses and bacteria from the body. A raised body temperature makes for an environment inhospitable to the growth of micro-organisms. Diarrhoea and vomiting can also help to cleanse and purify the body when needed to promote recovery. In our quest to suppress symptoms, we often inadvertently suppress the body's own healing mechanisms, forcing the system to go into overdrive and to 'develop' secondary infection, as well as compromising the immune system, thereby making recovery more difficult. 

DITCH THE DOCTORS?

Does this mean that parents must simply 'go with the flow' and avoid visiting doctors altogether? Does it mean we must refuse vaccination for our children and leave it all 'up to nature'? These are individual decisions which need to be made by all parents after carefully considering the options and doing their own research, bearing in mind their family circumstances, their children's individual needs as well as each specific situation. In some situations there is no substitute for medical intervention, but there are many doctors practising homeopathic, naturopathic or integrative medicine. When in doubt, a medical professional should always be consulted. However, on an everyday basis, there is much that parents can do to support the immune system of their children.

As a beautiful sunflower needs certain elements to bloom and grow, our children need basic 'building blocks' to thrive both physically and mentally.

Cultivate Firm Roots

Firstly, a child needs firm 'roots'. This comes in the form of emotional stability. Children need to feel secure in their surroundings and know that they are loved and cared for. It is true that the immune system is closely linked with a sense of emotional well-being and that stress in many forms can result in compromised immunity.

As we know, not all children have the same genetic make-up and some children may be more introverted or hesitant and may need extra assurance for a feeling of security. Equally important is routine – research shows that children thrive on routine and healthy boundaries as they develop. An important phase of early childhood development is for a child to assert his or her independence and will. This may be a testing time for parents. Keep in mind that 'to discipline' is 'to teach' and so discipline needs to be age-appropriate. The way in which you discipline your children must be in relation to their ability to grasp the concept of action and consequence. A child who is too young to grasp this concept will not learn from negative reinforcement. Focus on good behaviour instead of bad, as parental attention and positive feedback is one of the most powerful teaching tools. Going over what you want your child to do (and why), can help him or her to develop good judgment – children need to realise the reason behind the request to do something, and while it may be easy to utter, 'because I said so' it does not do the trick. Remember the goal is to educate your child and a child's main learning comes from his main role model – you.

Teenagers in particular can face physical and emotional challenges during puberty and the often-difficult teenage years. It must be taken into account that hormonal changes wreak havoc on emotions, sleep, appearance, appetite and mood. Communication is the best tool when it comes to surly, sulky or withdrawn teens. Keep the channels of communication open – let teenagers know that you are available if and when they need you, but let it be on their terms. If your teen does not want to communicate, let him or her have a journal or a creative outlet (painting or music) for his/her emotions. As depression and anxiety in children or teens is a serious matter, and if you feel your child or teen is experiencing behavioural changes or if you sense that there may be things that they can't express to you, it is a good idea to have them assessed by a child psychologist.

While a warm, loving family environment and a supportive and stimulating school environment are basics for emotional health and development, when the need arises, herbal and homeopathic medicine as well as flower essences are effective and ideal supportive aids for children in crisis or under stress.

Diet

Next, and rather importantly, a flower needs vital nutrients to grow tall. Likewise, our children and teens need good, healthy nutrition – the 'plant food' for a budding child. Food is not only imperative for growth and development – but for mental and emotional health too.

Many foods are especially crucial for brain development and brain function. Good brain foods include: almonds, avocados, bananas, brown rice, eggs (enriched DHA eggs are best – check the box for 'Omega-3'), legumes, milk or yoghurt, oats, pumpkin, squash, red and yellow bell peppers (much higher in Vitamin C than green peppers), walnuts and whole wheat. Whenever possible choose low fat and organic foods. Avoid serving your children foods with artificial food colourings, high sugars (sugary cereals and high-sugar soft 'drinks' are the main culprits), white bread, white rice and hydrogenated fats as contained in most margarines). Children who are living with specific health challenges such as allergies, ADHD, learning disorders, etc will always benefit from taking diet into consideration in the overall management plan.

Breakfast is a very important meal when it comes to sustaining health. As the name suggests, it's the 'break' of the long 'fast' during the night. It's a fact that whether or not children eat breakfast affects their learning. Children who eat a breakfast containing complex carbohydrates and proteins in equal calorie amounts are more likely to improve their learning ability than children who do not. Complex carbohydrates combined with proteins act like partners on a body chemistry level – and can enhance a child's learning and behavior. So the better choice would be a hard-boiled egg with a slice or two of toast, and a piece of fruit for natural sugar. In contrast, at nighttime, certain foods can help regulate sleep patterns and mood. Turkey, for instance, contains the amino acid L-tryptophan that is used to manufacture serotonin in the brain. Serotonin (a natural 'feel good chemical') is transformed into a sleep hormone and released when the sun sets. This is used in the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Dairy products also contain tryptophan – no wonder a glass of warm milk at night is recommended. Try to keep in mind that it takes around one hour for the tryptophan in the foods to reach the brain so don't wait until right before bedtime to give your child a snack.

Eating habits are formed during early childhood, and persist throughout life. Specific issues relating to food, and the manner with which they are dealt, can greatly affect a developing child and set a foundation for a healthy, or unhealthy relationship with food in later years. Getting a fussy eater to eat nutritious food can be a career all in itself. A young child's aversion to trying something new is a normal stage in development and as children grow older they will become more amenable to different and new foods. Try not to use food as a reward as it may teach your child to value certain 'treat' foods and children may later begin to turn to food for comfort. By forcing a child to eat when not hungry, you may interfere with the natural mechanisms employed by the body to signal hunger and sufficiency. Help children to maintain the natural ability to 'listen' to their bodies. Set a good example – eat healthy foods as often as possible and look like you enjoy them. One of the best motivators is praise, hugs, kisses, and smiles. While it is okay to mention that some foods are 'good for you', it is maybe best not to put a great deal of emphasis on foods being 'bad for you'. You may rather suggest that some foods are 'healthier than others'. Banning certain foods can make them even more tempting. A better idea is to keep those special foods in a separate cupboard or drawer for special occasions. Remember, they're just food, like other types of food, except that they're meant to be eaten in small doses. Teach your child about the health value of foods, particularly those that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Try not to serve meals in front of the television – studies have shown that children who watch television while eating their meals tend to eat poorly, and too fast – so their stomachs don't digest the food as efficiently as they would if they were seated at the table. Family meals should be free of distractions (no television) and peaceful. Mealtimes are great opportunities to catch up on news and stay in touch with your kids.

A special mention for teens: regulate what you say and how you behave towards food. Try not to complain about your body image, missing gym or place a lot of emphasis on your fashion magazines. If you're constantly moaning about your own weight and making promises to lose weight, your child may pick up on it and imitate you. Children often gain their ideas about themselves, and the food they eat as well as the amount of exercise they should do, from examples set by their parents. Encourage family activities outdoors, and choose an activity that your child or teen will enjoy. Enjoyment is the key to sustaining an exercise routine.

Immune System

The immune system is amazingly intricate and complex, keeping our children healthy and protecting them against all sorts of 'invaders' including viruses, bacteria, microbes, parasites and toxins. A child's eyes, nose and mouth are all possible ports of entry for invading germs but luckily tears, nasal secretions and saliva all contain enzymes to keep the invaders at bay. The body is a virtual battleground, and so the best chance of winning the fight against invading germs is to be pro-active and get your child's immunity in tip-top shape. There are many ways to naturally boost the immune system – most of which are already in your home. Remember that all soldiers need a good meal before battle – so stock up on green leafy veggies, citrus, fish (also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids) and foods that contain vitamin C to give your child's immune system the proper 'fuel' it will need to help stay healthy. Unfortunately, with our pressured lifestyles and modern methods of producing food we often do not get the vitamins and minerals that we need and a good multivitamin can help to replenish these levels.

Exercise also helps to support healthy immune functioning (moderate exercise will help to relax your child and will also encourage healthy sleep). Being active can also help your child to maintain a healthy weight, an important factor as being underweight or overweight can both depress the immune system. Keep your children away from cigarette and tobacco smoke. The chemicals contained in even second-hand smoke all depress the immune system and have a negative impact on its functioning. Reduce exposure to germs by teaching your children good hygiene habits such as washing their hands before meals and after going to the toilet. Where possible, keep your children in smaller day care centres or crèches and limit their contact with people who have the flu. Avoiding excessive sun exposure is also crucial as this can depress the immune system. Although children need sunlight to produce Vitamin D, be sensible about the time of day and length of time your child spends in the sun and put on sunblock.

For teens, many nights spent studying tend to be fuelled by bottomless mugs of coffee and sugary chocolate snacks. What most students fail to realise is that the caffeine in these foods and drinks can have just the opposite of the desired effect – and actually negatively affect memory. Prescription medications to stay alert contain artificial stimulants that 'jolt' the brain while increasing heart rate, leaving you with that 'jittery' unnatural feeling. A more healthy and effective alternative would be to snack on naturally wholesome brain boosting foods – like nuts, raisins and low-fat cheese and veggie sticks, which all contain brain-powering nutrients, to help you focus without sacrificing brainpower. There is little point in keeping a student's brain nourished, if his or her immune system gets run down. Added stress can lead to lessened health and a compromised immune system. This is then likely to lead to colds and 'flu, which in turn usually result in time lost studying and learning. For this reason, teenagers need to balance learning and 'time-out' periods where they can relax and un-wind.

Keep It Simple – Let Common Sense Prevail

As you can see from the above, the path to health often includes basic common sense on the part of parents. Healthy diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, emotional nurturance and the minimum of interference in the body's innate healing mechanisms really are the keys to good health. We all know of children who are in and out of doctors' rooms and constantly on antibiotics, yet never seem to build up their own immunity. When it comes to everyday health, less is very often more. Many good doctors will agree with this but are faced with parents who have difficulty trusting that their children will recover, unless medicated. Work on promoting holistic health (emotional, physical, social and spiritual), build your child's immune system, avoid things that suppress the immune system, use health-promoting alternatives where possible and allow your common sense and innate parenting skills to prevail when supporting your child's health.

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