It feels like it just started getting cooler outside, and we’ve already had a round of colds move through our household. Yep, it’s the start of cold and flu season. I was surprised to find out that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average child catches 6-10 colds per year. Wow! So, the chances of someone in your house getting sick are pretty high. Thankfully though, there are things you can do now to help keep everyone healthy as the cold and flu season ramps up…
Wash your hands ::
Okay, this may seem like a no-brainer, but I recently had to re-teach my kids how to wash their hands. I noticed they were in and out of the bathroom in like 30 seconds total, so there was just no way they were really getting rid of all those germs. The CDC recommends washing hands for 20 seconds. In our rushed world that is actually a pretty long time, especially for kids. The recommendation is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing so you know you did it long enough. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. {But it’s important to note that hand sanitizer may not kill all germs.}
Stay hydrated ::
You probably know drinking a lot of water is good for your body, but did you know it can help keep you healthy? Staying hydrated keeps your body operating at its best, and it helps your body fight infection. Especially when it’s cooler outside, we sometimes forget to drink water. Water is the best choice for hydration, so be careful of sugary juice drinks that can actually dehydrate you.
So, how much water should your kid be drinking? Nutrition.gov recommends:
- 5 glasses for children ages 5-8
- 7 glasses for children ages 9-12
- 8 to 10 glasses for children ages 13+
Blow your nose ::
Go ahead and just do it! Blowing your nose helps keep your nasal passages clear. WebMD explains that it’s important to clear out your nose so you don’t keep mucus in your head that can become infected. Be careful not to blow too hard because the pressure can cause an earache. Apparently there is a best way to blow your nose :: Press a finger over one nostril while you gently blow to clear the other. And of course, wash your hands after.
Try natural remedies ::
As you probably know, there is no cure for the common cold, but trying out natural remedies is one way to help you feel better. {As always, you should consult a medical professional before using any new products, and please be sure to read and follow label directions carefully too.} Hyland’s is the oldest manufacturer of homeopathic medicines in the United States, and they truly believe the body can call upon its own natural defenses to heal and restore balance. With Costco Mom Hour just around the corner, I was so excited to find out that Hyland’s 4 Kids Cold n’ Cough Day and Night Combo Pack is being sold exclusively at Costco this cold and flu season. It provides natural relief of common cold symptoms in children, including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal and chest congestion, and it is made with natural ingredients, free of artificial color and flavors, and there are no stimulant side effects. Thank goodness! I definitely plan on stocking up on a few combo packs at the Costco Mom Hour event this coming Friday, so whenever those inevitable 6-10 colds make their way into my household this season … I’ll be armed and ready!
Other tips for staying healthy the natural way include getting plenty of sleep so your body is not run down, avoiding touching your nose and mouth, and staying home if you are feeling bad. Not only will you keep from spreading your illness to others, but you could also heal faster if your body is well rested too!
To get more natural health and wellness tips, be sure and connect with our partners at Hyland’s…
