From nutritious breakfast staples and simpler hair routines to disinfecting wipes, travel protection and cleaner study spaces, registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of three Gisela Bouvier is sharing ideas to help families tackle the new school year with confidence.
Bouvier joined We Are Austin with a roundup of products designed to make busy back-to-school routines a little easier.
Start the Day With Probiotics
Bouvier recommends Lifeway Foods as one option for families looking to incorporate probiotics into their routines.
“Lifeway products are probiotic powerhouses,” Bouvier said, highlighting the brand’s kefir, which contains 12 live and active cultures along with nutrients including protein, vitamin D, calcium and selenium.
Families can serve kefir at breakfast or add mini bottles to lunchboxes. Bouvier also highlighted Lifeway’s new kefir butter as an option for toast, bagels and recipes.
Lifeway products are available at retailers including Kroger, Target, Randalls, H-E-B and Walmart.
Simplify Curly Hair on Busy Mornings
Getting everyone ready and out the door can be a challenge, and Bouvier says Mixed Chicks offers a simple routine for families caring for curly hair.
She recommends starting with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup, detangling the hair, and finishing with a leave-in conditioner.
“One of the best tips that I can tell you is not to touch it too much while it’s drying, so that curls can really form naturally and stay defined,” Bouvier said.
Make Disinfecting Part of the Routine
Back-to-school season also means more exposure to germs as students return to classrooms and activities.
Bouvier highlighted Clorox Disinfecting Wipes as an easy addition to cleaning routines at home and school.
“The good news is that cleaning and disinfecting are simple parts of the back-to-school routine,” Bouvier said.
According to Clorox, its disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria when used as directed.
Consider Extra Protection for Students Away From Home
For families sending a student to college or abroad, Bouvier recommends learning about Medjet’s Global Rescue membership, an air medical transport and security response program for travelers.
According to Bouvier, if a member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home and meets the program’s requirements, the service can arrange transport to a hospital closer to home. Optional security response benefits are also available.
“Me personally, as a mom, I want my child at a hospital near home,” Bouvier said.
Families should review membership terms, eligibility requirements and coverage details before enrolling.
Create a Cleaner Study Space
Whether homework happens at home, in a dorm or elsewhere, Bouvier says air quality can be another consideration when setting up a study environment.
She highlighted a portable IQAir air purifier designed to create a personal clean-air zone and reduce exposure to airborne pollutants.
“Back to school means new study environments, and one thing that is often overlooked is air quality,” Bouvier said.
For more information about Bouvier’s back-to-school recommendations, visit Donato Media online.