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| Photo Credits to David Castillo Dominici |
First of all, we have to understand that kids do get colds, which is especially common in Fall time and Winter. It affects the nose, throat and the sinuses. It's not a new disease that every time our kids get a cold we have to rush them to the hospital right away because they got... a cold. Actually, it's normal to have a cold. In fact, experts say that kids can get as many as 8 to 10 colds a year. When kids get a cold they get immune to that germ that caused them to be sick. That means their immune system strengthens as they get older by bits and pieces of getting cold once in a while.
Doctors will tell us that when we get a cold, we just have to let it run its course. No cold medicines, no antibiotics, nothing can treat it. We just have to deal with the symptoms that goes with it. If we can't treat them how can we prevent them. Proper Hygiene!!
see Handwashing 101
As a mom I always get stressed every time my kid has a cold. Any parent will agree to me that cold can be so much difficult for both the child and the parents. It can be hell! I was often advised not to give cold medicines since it doesn't really help and it's a real pain making our child take it, anyone agrees on that?
So, I have to find natural ways on how to help my child get through this.. keep reading...
1. For younger children with a congested nose, bring them inside the bathroom with you. You can put a chair somewhere in the bathroom so you can sit there with your child then turn the hot shower and just let it flow. I did this when my son was a baby and it worked. The steam coming out from the hot shower helped him breathe.
2. Don't underestimate the power of Vicks. This has been my powerful tool ever since BUT studies say that this is not safe for kids under two. For older kids, I find it very helpful. Aside from the soothing effect that it brings, it also creates a bonding moment between you and your child.
3.Chicken Soup - my son always ask me to cook this for him every time he gets sick. He said it makes him feel better.
4. My magic surprise, the Lemonade - my son doesn't like lemonade at all. But I certainly believe that the Vitamin C coming from the Lemonade can make him feel better. So I made my own Lemonade recipe.
What you need:
Lemons
Oranges
Orange Slices
Water
Honey to taste
How to make it:
Extract the juice from the lemons and the oranges, put some water, add some honey to taste, then just put the orange slices to make it more attractive to the eyes. Voila, that's the magic surprise. He loved it though!
5. On cold weather, the heating makes the air dry. When the air is dry, it's harder to sleep with cough and cold. To help them sleep, one word... Humidifier. A Humidifier is an appliance that humidifies (moistens) the air in the entire house or even just in your room. Just make sure that you don't forget to change the water in the humidifier.
6. Snacks anyone? Slices of apple with honey on the side is always a hit. Vitamin C from apples and the therapeutic effect of honey have always been a good combination.
The following are websites that offer advises on how to take care of our kids whenever they get sick
Caring for kids
Kids Health
Stay healthy!
