Kids and Colds
It's just about impossible to protect your child from ever catching a cold. There are things you can do, however, to minimize that risk.
- Make sure they get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep reduces the strength of your child's immune system, leaving her more susceptible to colds.
- Don't share cups. Sharing cups means sharing germs, because germs hang on around glasses. Wash glasses or toss disposables after use.
- Eat right. Kids naturally love foods that are high in vitamin C: oranges, potatoes, bell peppers, strawberries and pineapples.
- Teach them to use tissues. Whenever children sneeze or blow their noses, using tissues will help prevent infection from spreading.
- Enforce hand washing. Soap and water are strong weapons against cold and flu viruses.
- Talk with the Day Care folks. If your child is around other kids, he'll be exposed to more viruses, so make sure the school or day care facility practices good hygiene. Don't allow him to share food or utensils, and encourage frequent hand washing. Shared toys should be washed frequently.
Source: HealthyKids.com
Published 09/30/09
