• Minimize sugar, which has been shown to suppress the immune system for several hours after consumption.
• In baking during the holidays, use natural alternatives to sugar such as coconut sugar or xylitol.
• Wash hands frequently, especially before eating.
• Have kids bathe or shower after getting home from school and change into lounging or play clothes.
• After a long winter day in the office, adults can shed work clothes for lounging clothes to avoid bringing home the germs, and put those garments right into the laundry.
• Take immune support supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and probiotics.
• Get plenty of rest and fresh air.
• Cover coughs and sneezes, which can send approximately 100,000 germs up to 25 feet.
• Stay home if sick, and do not send kids to school if they have a bad cold

 

Dr. Deborah Bain is the owner of Healthy Kids Pediatrics. For more information, call 972-294-0808 or visit HealthyKidsPediatrics.com.