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It might seem overwhelming to try to prevent colds, but you can do it. Children average 3 to 8 colds per year. It is certainly better to get 3 than 8!
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Here are 5 proven ways to reduce exposure to germs:
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Switch day care: Using a day care of 6 or fewer children dramatically reduces germ contact.
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Wash hands: Children and adults should wash hands at key moments -- after nose-wiping, after diapering or toileting, before eating, and before food preparation.
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Use instant hand sanitizers: Talk about convenient! A little dab will kill 99.99% of germs without any water or towels. It uses alcohol to destroy germs. It is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic, so resistance can't develop. And it's fun. Many kids think it's a treat to use it!
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Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (sink handles, sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
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Use paper towels... instead of shared cloth towels.
Here are seven ways to support the immune system:
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Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: The more people use antibiotics, the more likely they are to get sick with longer, more stubborn infections caused by more resistant organisms in the future.
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Breastfeed: Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections, even years after breastfeeding is done. Kids who don't breastfeed average 5 times more ear infections.
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Avoid second-hand smoke: Keep as far away from it as possible! It is responsible for many health problems, including millions of colds.
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Get enough sleep: Late bedtimes and poor sleep leave people vulnerable.
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Drink water: Your body needs fluids for the immune system to function properly.
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Eat yogurt: The beneficial bacteria in some active yogurt cultures help prevent colds.
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Take zinc: Children and adults who are zinc-deficient get more infections and stay sick longer.
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