We want to teach our kids to share – just not all their germs.
Preschoolers are most at risk for catching colds, according to the Mayo Clinic. Their immune systems are still developing, they tend to spend lots of time with other kids and aren’t careful about using tissues or washing their hands.
For all those reasons, little kids typically catch up to eight colds a year. Then, generously, they share those colds with the rest of the family.
Here’s how to keep illness at bay in your home for the holidays.
1. Get enough sleep.
“When you’re not getting adequate sleep, your immune system is weakened,” said Emmy Wang, chiropractor and clinic director at Chiro One Wellness Centers, which has locations in Naperville, Joliet, North Aurora and South Elgin. “You should sleep a little longer during the winter months.”
2. Take your vitamins.
“Nobody knows for sure if Vitamin C actually prevents colds and flu, but most health practitioners accept that Vitamin C can shorten the duration,” Wang said. “If you don’t get enough natural sunlight, try Vitamin D. People who take 2,000 IU of Vitamin D have 70 percent fewer colds and flu. If you feel a cold coming on, try zinc — 30 mg of zinc taken at the onset of a cold will shorten it by about a day and a half. But don’t overdo it. More than 50 mg of zinc daily can suppress your immune system and block absorption of other minerals.”
3. Get moving.
“It’s important for parents to limit the amount of time kids are doing non-school-related, sedentary, in-front-of-screen activities — no more than 2 hours of TV or computer time a day,” said Kathleen Kleckner, a physician assistant at Medi Weightloss Clinic in Hinsdale. “Try doing an active tech game, or as a family making an effort to do a walk. The key for children, specifically, is to see an example through their parents, to see their parents making an effort and not making us do sit-ups to torture us.” Plus, Wang said, research shows that moderate amounts of aerobic exercise during the cold and flu season boosts the body’s defenses against viruses and bacteria.
4. Make better food choices.
Participants in Medi Weightloss’s Power Play, a weight-loss program for kids 12 and older, learn how nutrition affects them physically.
“It’s important for them not to feel deprived, not to feel hungry,” Kleckner said. “It’s a misnomer that exercise and eating less are the only ways to lose weight. So around holidays, birthdays, weddings … our comprehensive program teaches each person — adult, child or adolescent –— how to work around these special events and how macronutrients are going to work in their body.”
5. Nix nosebleeds.
“Nosebleeds are common in the winter months due to over-dryness, uncontrolled hypertension and sinus infections,” said Joseph Donzelli, a physician at Midwest Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants in Naperville. “If your child suffers from nosebleeds, try a nasal saline rinse to keep their nose hydrated, thus reducing cracking and bleeding. Saline also improves their sinuses’ ability to self-cleanse, helping to clear viruses, bacterial particles and allergens.”
6. Prevent motion sickness.
“Motion sickness can be reduced by taking an antihistamine prior to car or air travel,” Donzelli said. “In severe cases, the use of meclizine (a tablet available by prescription) can be employed. However, this medication is very sedating, so be sure to plan ahead so your child can enjoy vacation.”
7. Avoid airplane ear pain.
“Ear pain and pressure are common for children during air travel due to the high altitudes,” Donzelli said. “To avoid ear pain in the air, try using a nasal spray or oral decongestant prior to travel. Also, try purchasing over-the-counter ear plugs like EarPlanes to help your child’s ears adjust to pressure on ascent and descent. While in flight, performing swallowing motions to engage muscles for pressure relief — even chewing gum or drinking a beverage can help. Never let your child try to pop his or her ears, as this can lead to more serious ear trauma.”
source: suntimes
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