Top Ten Thursday - The Common Cold

AH-CHOO!  Looks as though cold season is upon us once again.  And there's no doubt that colds can leave us feeling miserable! Let's look at 5 ways to help, not cure, the common cold:

1. Water and other fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.
2. Gargle with salt water — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
3. Saline nasal drops and sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays combat stuffiness and congestion.  Neti pots are great for this!
   
4. Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children and adults. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers may offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration
5. Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions.  Dry air dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can help, or just a hot steamy shower.

Now let's look at 5 ways to prevent the common cold:

1. Proper hand washing is KEY in keeping a cold at bay as most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. The germs can live for hours outside the body. If you can't get to a sink, rub an alcohol-based hand sanitizer onto your hands.
2. Keep your body in good general health. Make sure you're getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your immune system strong. Eating well and keeping in shape by exercising will help your body defend against the cold virus. Shakeology is a great way to keep your immune system in check!  It contains all the vitamins and nutrients that you should be getting every day, but aren't.
   
3. Don't smoke! Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to colds and other infections. Even exposure to passive smoke can make you (or your children) more vulnerable to colds.
4. Relax...  Stress can cause your immune system to lax, leaving you susceptible to picking up a virus.
5. Sneeze or cough into your arm or into a tissue rather than your hands.