By: Robert Remler
True or False:1. Your child is likely to catch a cold when he/she walks in the rain, doesn't dress warmly enough or sits in a cool wind.2. Children get more colds than adults do.3. Bacteria causes colds and flu.4. Prescription medications are the only effective medicines to use to treat a cold or flu.5. Your child should always take medication to stop a cough that comes with a cold or flu.Question 1 - False. While you should do all you can to ensure your child's health, Clara Mayoral, MD, South Nassau Communities Hospital's chief of general pediatrics, says that nutritious foods, getting enough sleep and regular activity are more important and that lack of one or all is more likely to cause a cold.Question 2 - True. Dr. Mayoral says that children average between five to eight colds a year, while adults average only three to four.Question 3 - False. Colds can be caused by any of more than 200 viruses, according to Dr. Mayoral, that spread through coughs, sneezes and mucus.Question 4 - False. The fact is that over-the-counter medications are effective at relieving the symptoms of cold in adults, sometimes with infants and children these medications do not work, says Dr. Mayoral.Question 5 - False. If a cough is productive, meaning, mucus is being extracted, Dr. Mayoral said that you should not try to completely stop the cough. The lungs need to remove the mucus.
To prevent a cold, Dr. Mayoral suggests:
Stress placing the hand over the mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands afterwards.Vigorously promote hand washing at home, school, a friend's house or public area, because a cold can be picked up from contact, a toy, or picking up a telephone.Don't permit sharing cups, glasses or utensils, even among family members.Encourage proper use and disposal of tissues.Regular invigorating activities for your child.Drink plenty of fluids.
The Great American Smokeout
The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health agency, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 15. The following is a list of smoke cessation tips:
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For the first few days after you quit, spend as much free time as possible in a place where smoking is prohibited - libraries, museums, theaters and churches.
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Drink large quantities of water and fruit juice.
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Avoid alcohol, coffee and other beverages that you associate with smoking.
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Strike up a conversation instead of a match for a cigarette.
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If you miss the sensation of having a cigarette in your hand, play with something else - a pencil, a paper clip, a marble.
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If you miss having something in your mouth, try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks or celery.
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AVOID TEMPTATION by staying away from situations you associate with pleasurable smoking.
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FIND NEW HABITS and develop a non-smoking environment around you.
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Stress constructive, not destructive, thinking to lessen discomfort.
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Avoid resuming the habit by anticipating future situations/crises that might lead to smoking, and assert your reasons for not giving in.
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Take deep rhythmic breaths similar to smoking to relax.
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Remember your goal and the fact that your urge will eventually pass.
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Think positive thoughts and avoid negative ones.
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Brush your teeth.
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Do brief exercises (isometrics, push-ups, deep-knee bends, walk up a flight of stairs, or touch your toes.)
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Call a supportive friend.
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Compile a list of "Urge Activities" and start at the top when it hits.
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Eat several small meals. This maintains constant blood sugar levels and helps prevent the urge to smoke. Avoid sugary or spicy foods that trigger a desire for cigarettes.
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Above all, reward yourself. Plan to do something fun for doing your best.
Other events and activities
Blood drive will be held in the Staff Education Classrooms in the St. Anne's Building at Mercy Medical Center, 1000 North Village Avenue, on Mon., Nov. 19, 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. To register call Rita O'Keefe at (516) 705-2068... Free cardiac screening at St. Francis Hospital, 100 Port Washington Boulevard, Roslyn, on Wed., Nov. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call (516) 562-6025... Healthy Eating: Can It Be Done Through the Holidays? A lecture at the St. Francis Hospital DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research & Education, Northern Boulevard, Old Brookville. Call (516) 629-2038... Green Seminar at Long Beach Medical Center, for smoking cessation and weight reduction, on Mon., Nov. 26, 7 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium. $60 fee. Call (516) 897-1097 or 1-(800)-342-1303 to register. Free for previous Green Seminar attendees. Look Good, Feel Better is a free program at the Franklin Hospital Medical Center, 900 Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, on Mon., Dec. 10, 1 to 3 p.m., to help cancer patients look and feel their best during and after cancer treatment. American Red Cross Week at New York Sports Clubs. In an effort to help the Red Cross in their work provide assistance to victims of the September 11 tragedy in both Washington D.C. and New York City, from Mon., Nov. 26 to Sun., Dec. 2, New York Sports Clubs is suggesting a $2 donation for each fitness class... The In Home Rx Program makes available breathing medications and Nebulizers to patients who may have asthma, emphysema or COPD at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. The Albuterol Products are provided to those who are troubled with severe breathing conditions. Call 1-800-344-5764 or visit www.inhomerx.com for more information on the details of this program. Compiled by Francisco Mejia
