Stay Well!

We are back to school and back to cold season.  In fact, on Friday afternoon 8 students from Division 3 were out of school! We'd really appreciate a donation of facial tissues (Kleenex) as well.  We only have 3 boxes so far this year and we are going through them quickly!

Here are some reminders on how to keep those germs away according to WebMD:

1. Wash your hands.

Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent colds and flu.

Help your child lather up with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. To help her know how long that is, "sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice," says Atlanta pediatrician Jennifer Shu, MD. Then have her rinse and dry hands well.

Let her know when to wash her hands. "I usually say wash after going to the bathroom, before eating, after coming in from outside, after using a tissue, and when the hands look dirty," Shu says.

If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer instead.

2. Use separate cups and utensils.

Kids often share drinks and food. But when someone has a cold or the flu, that can spread viruses.

Rubin recommends never sharing food or drinks, even if no one is sick. That makes the habit stick. Remember, people are often contagious before they start coughing or sniffling.

The same goes for you. "Parents can set a good example by doing the same and practicing in front of their children," says Yvonne Maldonado, MD, professor of pediatrics at Stanford School of Medicine.

3. Cough into your arm.

Teach your child to cough or sneeze into the inside of her elbow.

"In my opinion, the arm-crook sneeze/cough is the best public health invention since soap," says pediatrician David Hill, MD.

Show your child how. They should find it simple and silly enough to copy.

4. Get enough rest.

Kids need to get enough sleep: 10 to 11 hours a night for school-age children (ages 5 to 10) and more for younger kids. That can help their immune system work well and help them recover faster from cold or flu, Rubin says.

When your child has the flu, she'll probably want to sleep more. If she only has a cold and seems as active as ever, ask her to lie down and rest for a while, even if she doesn't fall asleep. Calm background music may help.

Tell her, "Just like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep helps your body stay strong and fight germs," Shu says.

5. It’s OK to postpone a playdate.

Help your children understand that when they're sick, they need to stay home. If they go to playdates, birthday parties, and other activities when they're not feeling well, they can spread their germs.

"Teach them how to be a good citizen, that you occasionally don't get to go to the ballgame because you're sick, so you give your tickets to somebody else," Rubin says.

If your child is healthy and her friend has the sniffles, remind her to wash her hands before and after the playdate, and ask her not to touch her friend's hands.

Stay healthy and happy!  And don't forget about picture day this Wednesday.