Keeping kids healthy this winter!

[JenCooks]

I have 2 boys - ages 4 and 2. I just moved to a much colder climate this past February and both boys were sick with colds, ear infections, pink eye, etc. all winter. I've just returned from the Dr. and my oldest has an ear infection and pink eye AGAIN! The weather started to cool down a few weeks ago and several other mothers warned me that the boys would start to get sick. Both boys eat well balanced meals, get enough sleep and take vitamins. Is there anything else I can do to help them stay healthy this winter? I'm not well versed in alternative medicine but defiantly not opposed to it and would be interested in any information on the subject.

Please help! I don't want to live at the Dr.'s office this winter.

[Terri_A]

I'm not a big believer in the idea that cold weather makes you sick. Cold weather may wear you down because your body works harder to stay warm, so make sure they get plenty of sleep. Other than that, I think that frequent hand washing with plain old soap does the trick at their ages. The weeone (5 1/2 yo) has been on antibiotics only once in her life ( and that was even after surgery, not because of an infection ) and I truly believe it's because of 2 things - she was breasfed for 11 months and she washes her hands a LOT! Kids that age are walking petrie dishes and they sneeze then play pattycake - it's gross, but it's true. So, get your kids washing their hands often and I think you'll fair okay. Pink Eye is almost always contracted through contaminated little hands, so you could avoid that one at least!

Good luck - I know it's frustrating trying to keep these little ones healthy!!!

[Couperine]

If they aren't part of your routine, mall playgrounds and fast-food indoor playgrounds are excellent places to avoid in winter. Since your children got exposed to different varieties of germs when you moved earlier this year, it's probable that they contracted a few more viruses than usual due to new exposures. Flu shots are available here already, so you can get that as well. Basically good habits and avoidance of overcrowded kid areas is about all you can do. Your winter is far more indoors than mine though, so I imagine it's alot harder to find a variety of play areas for your kids.

[Robyn1007]

I agree, washing hands is a huge part of staying healthy, for anyone. And make sure they are washing for long enough, not just a quick soap and rinse but really scrubbing.