Sniffle Solutions

Giving your kid more than one OTC medication? Scan labels to make sure you’re not unknowingly doubling up on active ingredients. If you’re not certain, check with your pediatrician or pharmacist.

Bring disinfectant wipes to the supermarket. Researchers at The University of Arizona found that 21 percent of shopping carts were contaminated with bodily fluids, such as mucus, blood and even fecal matter.

Try scheduling your workout for first thing. According to a recent study conducted by Appalachian State University, people who exercised at 7 a.m. logged a better night’s sleep than those who worked out at 1 p.m. or at 7 p.m. It’s a one-two punch against sniffles: Studies show that both sleep and exercise can boost the immune system.

Two in three child poisonings that lead to an emergency room visit are caused by medication overdoses. Keep your kid safe by storing those pills and syrups in a hard-to-reach place.

Switch on the lights when giving a child cold or flu medication, and make sure he or she is fully awake. A sleepy kid swallowing in the dark is a choking hazard, according to the American Pharmacists Association.

Feeling stressed? Treat yourself to fresh-cut flowers. Researchers from Rutgers found that women who were given buds stayed in better moods for the three following days.

Always carry your own pen and use it to sign receipts at grocery stores, restaurants and doctor’s offices. The writing utensils in these public spaces are often coated with cold viruses, says Dr. Neil Schachter, a physician and author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu. Also use it as a stylus for credit card machines by leaving the top on.

It's best to stay 6 feet away from someone who has the flu, because the virus spreads in droplets when people talk, cough or sneeze.

Keep your child safe this Halloween by adding a strip of reflective tape to his or her costume or trick-or-treating bag, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also check to make sure that the costume is flame-resistant, and jot down or attach emergency contact information somewhere on your kid’s body.

Those OTC cold meds can have more than physical benefits; the healing effect is partly psychological too. Sick people who took a placebo “sick pill” recovered 1.5 days faster than those who didn’t, report researchers from the University of Wisconsin. Experts say that the placebo effect -- or the simple belief that something is helping you get better -- can help speed healing.

Don’t toss your old meds in the trash or flush them down the toilet; they can harm wildlife and contaminate waterways. To learn the safest way to dispose of that medication, visit SmaRxtDisposal.net.

Pack your kid’s lunch in an insulated container. According to a study in the journal Pediatrics, more than 90 percent of preschoolers’ sack lunches weren’t properly cooled, raising their risk for food poisoning. Ask your kid’s school to store his or her lunch in the fridge, or stash some ice packs to keep things cool.

Want to buy organic, but can’t swing it with your budget? Choose your battles. Apples contain the most pesticides of all fruits, while onions are the safest. For a full list of the best and worst produce picks, visit EWG.org/FoodNews.

Driving with the windows down is refreshing, but it can bring on sniffles and sneezes. If you have pollen or mold allergies, close the car windows and put the air conditioner on the non-recirculate mode.

Having one of those days? Keep your chin up -- literally. University of Toronto researchers found that standing up straight creates a sense of power and control, which helps improve coping and reduces stress.

When choosing a hand sanitizer, read labels and look for those that are made with at least 60 percent alcohol, recommends Harley Rotbart, a physician and the author of Germ Proof Your Kids. Also keep in mind that while antibacterial varieties destroy bacteria, they don’t kill the viruses that cause cold and flu.

Has your child gotten back-to-school immunizations? For a full year-by-year list of the shots every kid needs, visit Immunize.org

Send your kids to school with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and tell them to use it if the restroom is out of paper towels: Opening the door with wet hands recontaminates them with the viruses that cause colds and the flu, says Harley Rotbart, a physician and the author of Germ-proof Your Kids.

Slather sunscreen on infants and toddlers. Researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine found that changes in the skin that lead to skin cancer begin during a baby’s first year, when the epidermis is most delicate and vulnerable. Protect her from harmful rays with a stroller cover, sun hat and sunblock.

Go ahead; take a nap on the backyard hammock. According to a study conducted by Switzerland’s University of Geneva, you’ll nod off faster and experience a more restful slumber. Brain scans revealed that resting in a rocking motion helped bring on a deeper sleep than dozing in a regular bed.

Clean your air conditioner’s filter once a month. A dirty filter may blow dust and other allergens into your home. What’s more, it can slow airflow -- making your home more difficult to cool -- and run up your electricity bill.

Headed outside? Slip on a pair of wraparound shades. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, a UV-protective pair not only shields your eyes from harmful rays, but also blocks allergens.

When using a window-unit air conditioner, try to leave the room for the first 30 minutes after turning it on. Some units emit short bursts of mold every time they start up. Chances are, it’s not enough mold to cause any problems (small amounts of mold are always present in the air), but if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, even small steps like this may help.

If you’re not sure what you’re allergic to, you can now have your allergies assessed through blood testing. A serum sample is sent to a lab and measured for antibodies to common allergens, such as pollen, dust, mold and animal dander.

Spring and fall allergies lead to watery, itchy eyes and sneezing, but summer allergens generally cause nasal stuffiness and excess mucous in the nose and throat.

To protect against asthma and infections, have your kid wipe down his instrument after every use: When researchers from Oklahoma State University tested brass and woodwind instruments from a school band, they found more than 500 types of bacteria, mold and yeast.

Teach your child to listen to his MP3 player at less than 60 percent of the maximum volume. Tuning in at full-blast can damage his eardrums. In fact, a new University of Florida study shows that 25 percent of college students already have hearing loss -- most likely due to personal music players, say the researchers.

Checking local pollen counts is a good way to tell when it’s safe to go outside and play. But researchers from the Environmental Allergy Assays in Ontario found that some popular forecasting sites are inaccurate. For the most accurate numbers, visit AAAAI.org/NAB.

Planting a flower garden? Avoid peonies, poppies and crocuses, which produce high levels of pollen, according to the AAAAI. Instead, opt for daisies, tulips, roses, azaleas and marigolds, which are easier on people with seasonal allergies.

Help keep the air in your community clean. Check the air pollution levels in your area at AirNow.gov, and on days when particle pollution is expected to be high, avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

Plagued by mosquitoes? Fan yourself. Researchers at Michigan State University found that the wind from a fan keeps the bugs at bay because it disperses sweat and the carbon dioxide you exhale -- two factors that attract mosquitoes.

Researchers at the University of Washington found that 42 percent of hay fever sufferers were also sensitive to less obvious irritants, like perfume and household cleaners. So if your child suffers from seasonal allergies, take note of other potential triggers -- they’re worth mentioning to your pediatrician.

Sneaking fruits and veggies into your family’s favorite meals cuts calories and adds nutrients. Try adding cauliflower puree to mashed potatoes and mac ’n’ cheese, shredded zucchini and carrots to pasta sauce, and finely diced red pepper to soups and chili.

To prevent allergies, make sure your child gets enough vitamin D. A new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reveals that kids who don’t get enough vitamin D are twice as likely to develop allergies as those who get sufficient amounts. Aim to feed her 600 IU of vitamin D daily from a kids’ multivitamin and foods like fortified cereal and dairy products.

For a better night’s sleep, dim the lights about an hour before bedtime. A recent Harvard study found that exposure to bright lights in the evening can interrupt the body’s production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone -- causing you to toss and turn.

In public restrooms, use the first stall. It’s usually the cleanest, says Charles Gerba, a microbiologist, in the book The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu. Skip the middle one; he says that’s usually the most used -- and the germiest.

Slip off your sneakers before stepping inside. Experts say that shoes can track in allergens and pesticides throughout your house. Declare your home a shoe-free zone, and place a rack or basket by your front door.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some 7 million children suffer from asthma -- but many remain undiagnosed. Ask your pediatrician for a screening, or visit ACAAI.org/Allergist/Asthma  to find a free one in your area.

Blow your nose gently -- and remind your kids to do so too. Using a lot of force can drive mucus deeper into the sinuses, raising the risk of a sinus infection, reports a recent study from the University of Virginia.

Feeling grumpy? Do something nice for someone else. Uplifting others increases the production of mood-boosting brain chemicals like endorphins, according to a study from the Institute for the Advancement of Health. Plus, the recipient will feel good too. It’s a win-win!

Switch on some relaxing tunes. Researchers from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that people who listened to soothing instrumental music for 30 minutes experienced a boost in their immune system. Bonus: It can also relieve stress.

Play it safe by packing your own books and blocks for the doctor’s office: A recent study from the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital found that one in five toys in the waiting room is contaminated with cold and flu viruses.

Your kids have gotten their vaccines, but are yours up-to-date? Research shows most adults haven’t received all required booster shots (e.g., for hepatitis B and whooping cough). For a full list of adult immunizations, visit CDC.gov/Vaccines.

Give your sniffling child a mug of hot lemon-water or herbal tea. A study from England’s Cardiff University found that warm drinks help ease cold symptoms -- such as sneezing, sore throat and cough -- because heat may relax airways and improve breathing.

Store your medications in a cool, dry place. Warm, humid environments -- like the bathroom medicine cabinet -- break down drugs and vitamins, making them less effective. Consider stashing them on a top shelf in a hall closet, out of your child’s reach.

Reach for paper towels in public restrooms. Using them to dry your hands is more effective at removing bacteria than a hand-dryer. Is the towel dispenser empty? Hold your hands steady beneath the dryer for at least 30 seconds; rubbing them together can actually spread germs.

Pouring a liquid medication? Always use a dosing cup or syringe. Cornell University researchers found that eyeballing it misestimates the dose by up to 12 percent -- which may mean your child gets too much or too little of his Rx.

Feeling stressed? Take a lunchtime stroll outdoors. Soaking up a few rays can boost levels of serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical, according to a study published in the journal The Lancet. Head outside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is the strongest -- just don’t forget the sunscreen!

When booking a flight, choose a seat in the front of the plane. Research shows that more fresh air circulates near the pilot cabin, so you’ll be less likely to catch a virus from a sniffling seatmate, according to Charles Gerba, who holds a doctorate in microbiology and is the co-author of The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu. But no matter where you wind up, make sure you scrub up or use a hand sanitizer often.

If kids get to pick something out at the store, they’re more likely to use it. So let your kids pick out their favorite tissue box design: You may find it’s easier to encourage them to use and dispose of their tissues properly to keep germs in check.

Some people wait for a flu outbreak to occur before they get vaccinated. This isn’t an ideal tactic, since it takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective after getting the shot. Health experts urge everyone 6 months and over to get a flu shot as early as possible.

When using a sanitizing gel, continue to rub hands until completely dry. Germs can attach more readily to -- and multiply more quickly on -- moist surfaces.

The best way to get rid of germs on your hands is to wash with soap and clean running water for a full 20 seconds. 

You can have a cold or flu and spread it to others for a full 24 hours before you experience your first symptom.

Cloth shopping bags may be more environmentally correct than plastic, but it turns out they harbor many more germs. Why? Because most people don’t bother washing them. Researchers from Loma Linda University and Arizona State University found “large numbers of bacteria” -- including E. coli and salmonella -- on reusable bags. To wipe out bacteria, toss your bag in with your other laundry after using it.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to serious flu complications -- yet less than 25 percent of them get vaccinated. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urges all pregnant women to get the flu shot.

Whether you’re handing out treats at Halloween or just yearning for something sweet, here are a few options at 100 calories or less: 1 Tootsie Roll Pop (60 calories); 8 gummy bears (75 calories); 1 fun-size 3 Musketeers bar (70 calories); 15 pieces of candy corn (95 calories).

Children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. Kids should use booster seats until the car's seat belt fits properly -- usually when a child reaches about 4 feet 9 inches tall and is between 8 and 12 years of age.

To prevent back injury, backpacks should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. (For a 60-pound child, that’s 12 pounds at most.) The heaviest items should be packed closest to the center of your child’s back.

Yearly flu vaccinations usually begin in September; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting your child vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available. Seasonal flu activity normally peaks in January, but flu season begins as early as October.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the seasonal flu shot is approved for children as young as 6 months of age, as well as for people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.

Less than 5 percent of people cover their sneeze with a tissue, handkerchief or elbow -- and more than a quarter don’t cover their mouths at all! The majority (two-thirds) cough and sneeze into their hands, a practice that can spread infection via surfaces touched by unwashed hands.

According to a recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, children who regularly sit down to family meals tend to be thinner than their peers who don’t. This is likely because families who dine at the table together typically eat traditional, portioned meals with plenty of veggies rather than mindlessly munching on snacks on the go.

According to The American Lung Association, we’re all at risk of developing influenza no matter what our age and should get vaccinated every year.

Wear glasses or sunglasses that fit close to your face to keep pollen from irritating your eyes.

Asthmatic children with relatively low vitamin D levels in their blood may be at increased risk of severe asthma attacks. Up your kids’ vitamin D intake by serving more fish, eggs and fortified milk.

To reduce exposure during peak pollen levels, avoid scheduling outdoor activities from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., when ragweed-pollen counts are highest.

Young kids, tweens and teens participating in school sports (or playing outside) are in danger of heat-related risks like heatstroke. Be sure your child takes a water break at least every 20 minutes when she’s in the sun.

Get a jump-start on hay fever symptoms by taking allergy medications the first or second week of August, in advance of hay fever season, which starts midmonth.

Prevent fall indoor allergens by lowering indoor humidity during the summer months (with the help of a dehumidifier or air conditioner). Dust mites depend on a high-humidity summer for their autumn population explosion.

Approximately 10 million Americans are allergic to cat dander, the most common pet allergen.

Food-allergic kids should carry two “epi” doses at all times. Children with a history of food-induced allergies may need more than one shot of epinephrine to halt a severe reaction.

As daily levels of ozone and pollutants from vehicle exhaust climb, so do children’s emergency room visits for asthma attacks.

The best way to get rid of germs on your hands is to wash with soap and clean running water for a full 20 seconds. 

Need another reason to wash up? Researchers at the University of Colorado have found that the average person carries about 150 bacterial species on their hands.

Secondhand smoke may cause 40 percent of all cases of rhinosinusitis, the chronic sneezing and running or stuffy nose ailment that plagues one in six U.S. adults, according to new research.

You can now check the outdoor air quality anytime, anywhere in the U.S. Visit AirNow.gov to find out if the air pollution levels in your area are good (green), moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red), very unhealthy (purple) or hazardous (maroon). At the red level and beyond, it’s possible that everyone will feel the effects of air pollution, and sensitive groups may experience more serious effects, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Throughout May, allergists from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology will offer free asthma screenings at 200 locations across the country. You can find a list of screening sites at AllergyAnd AsthmaRelief.org.  The site also offers online self-tests for those who can’t make it to a screening.

It’s important to replace your pillow regularly, but you can extend its life -- and keep sneezes and sniffles away -- by putting it into an allergy-proof case. This prevents dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies or asthma, from collecting in the pillow.

Wheezing is a whistle-like sound and a sign that your child may be having breathing problems. The sound of wheezing is most obvious when your child exhales but may sometimes be heard when he inhales. All wheezing should be checked by a doctor.

Throughout the spring months, keep windows closed during the high-pollen-count hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. so indoor air can remain as clean as possible.

An allergy to animal dander can take two or more years to develop, and symptoms may not subside until months after ending contact with the animal.

To reduce allergens in your children’s rooms, remove items that collect dust, such as knickknacks and stacks of seldom-used books or magazines. Store toys, games and especially stuffed animals in plastic bins.

Studies have found that the capacity of a household teaspoon can vary, ranging from 1.5 to 9 milliliters. If you have to use a spoon to take liquid medicine, be sure to use a measuring spoon labeled “1 teaspoon” and follow instructions to the letter.

Incorrect use of antibiotics promotes antibiotic resistance, so don’t take them when you’re dealing with a cold or flu and definitely not for allergies.

It’s a myth that kids under the age of 2 do not get allergies. If you think your child has allergies, testing is appropriate at any age.

Would you believe: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season can continue into the spring months of April or May. So if you haven’t had the flu shot already, it’s not too late to protect yourself and your family.

The common cold typically lasts seven to nine days, but people feel the worst on days two through four. 

Linens, dishes and eating utensils should not be shared between people who are healthy and those who have a cold or flu. Always wash them thoroughly before sharing.

Surprising but true: You are more apt to catch a cold from shaking someone’s hand than from kissing them – on the cheek, that is.

A recent study found that only 15 percent of people dispense the right amount when pouring liquid medication, such as cough syrup. So be careful to use the dosing cup when taking medication or giving it to your child. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.

A cough is among the most common reasons patients see a physician. In fact, there are typically about 32.5 million office visits each year for complains of coughing.

Remove all food and crumbs from the family car every day to avoid food-borne bacteria from developing and creating an unhealthy environment. 

How many Americans wash their hands more than 10 times a day? Over half of the entire population.

Commercial airplanes use air filters that stop pathogens from spreading through the plane’s ventilation system.

When handling money, be aware that germs can remain on bills for an hour or longer. 

Be sure to moisturize your hands regularly, as small cracks in dry skin can be entry points for unwanted germs.

After washing your hands, always dry them completely. Germs are far more likely to survive on moist surfaces.

Flu symptom alert: About half of adults who have the H1N1 virus are reporting gastrointestinal problems.

When using a sanitizing gel, continue to rub hands until completely dry. Germs can attach more readily to -- and multiply more quickly on -- moist surfaces.