::Cough Cough:: Sniffle

Head colds suck. They suck even more when you don't have the luxury of lying in bed and pampering yourself. Plus, we can't "call in sick", Our jobs as moms continue to go on.

So HOW exactly do you avoid getting sick and protect your kids from not catching anything (or bring something home)?

If you're like my husband you'll say, "You can't prevent getting sick. What are you going to do? Hide in a hole?"

NO! I disagree, I believe you CAN do as much on your part to not get sick, but if you do, at least you know you tried your hardest and hopefully you wont be TOO sick (and won't rub it off on your kids)

So here are some steps you can take to prevent from getting sick, and some to help you get better quicker!

Preventative Measures:

1. Clorox Wipes are your friend: Remember this and you'll be happy. Always keep stock in Lysol or Clorox wipes. Wipe down everything, from counter tops to door handles, to sinks, and even toilets (yuck). Basically your high traffic areas should be constantly cleaned, and it doesn't take too long to take a wipe and go through the house and wipe things down. If you're like me cleaning the house takes a couple of days, so prioritize your housework. This should be your top priority.

They even sell these in travel sizes. I take them on the airplane and wipe things down, or to dinner and wipe down the table.

2. Sanitize your hands: Whenever possible, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. When my second baby was born, William, I was constantly washing my hands after I touched anything. Yes, I was a little obssesive, but I became the biggest germ-a-phobe when I got pregnant (and my husband came home with swine flu when I hit 6 months preggo).

Teach your kids to wash their hands as well. Teaching them good habits early on will help them in the future when they aren't always around Mommy. My daughter, Savanna, is a little obsessed with washing her hands as well. Sometimes she'll stand on a stool in front of the sink for 3 minutes washing her hands (oh, and teach them to shut off the water when they are scrubbing, saving water is great for the planet, and for your pocket:).

Keep a stool in the kids bathroom to make the sink accessible for your little ones. The soap should always be in reach as well, and a hand towel. Because, let's be honest, it's hard to drop everything to go and lift your toddler to the sink every time they get dirty. This also teaches them to be independent and care for themselves...remember, GOOD HABITS!

Don't be embarrassed to ask others to wash their hands when they want to hold your baby. If out, just whip out your sanitizer. This is really hard for me to do, but you DON'T want your newborn sick!

When you're not at home, keep some sanitizer in your purse. There are some natural sanitizers at almost any grocery store or pharmacy (or Target) if your worried about drying out your hands or your kids sucking on them. Or keep some "child safe" hand wipes handy.

3. Lysol spray: I guess this goes with the wipes, but keep your air clean with a Lysol sprayer (not every air freshener kills germs). They even sell little bottles for your purse at Target! My husband made fun of me when I used my travel Lysol spray at the movie theater when my son was born. But then everyone in his family wanted me to spray down their chair! It catches on quickly :)

4. Vitamin C: Helps when you start feeling sick. I sometimes even double the dose, but remember to take it with a meal because it can hurt your stomach. Emergen-C works like a charm as well.

5. Probiotics: Remember this key factor...a healthy digestive system is best for your immune system.





IF YOU ARE SICK:

1. Get some Rest: I know this sounds like an oxymoron when you don't even have time to sleep at night, let alone during the day. Here's my trick. If you have a TV in your room, throw your toddler in bed with you and turn on their show. This way you can lay down and keep an eye out for your little one.

If you just have babies at home, NAP WHEN THEY DO! I don't know how often I heard this, even if I wasn't sick, but remember, if you get too worn out you WILL get sick. Somehow it just works that way.

2. Vitamin C: Even though you are already sick, this helps you get over it sooner.


3. Gargle: Now you may be asking yourself...GARGLE? Yes, this has been advice given down from my grandmother, and then reinforced by my doctor. Here's the Recipe:

A glass of Cold water
A squirt of Listerine (the clear one, not blue)

A cap full of hydrogen peroxide

Then Gargle! Do it a few times. This will kill all the bacteria on the back of your throat, and almost numb it too, which helps if you have a sore throat.

4. Saline Flush: I do this with my kids almost daily. It is not only a great preventative for getting sick, but helps clear you out when you are sick. My parents used to take us to the beach when we were sick. Salt water has healing properties (that I still have yet to figure out) but it sure does make you feel better.

With your kids, get an easy sprayer (Little Noses makes one that sprays upwards) and use a bulb saringe for your little ones to suck out all the boogs (AKA. Mucus, but that's such a gross word). Teach your toddlers how to blow their noses. The less boogers in their noses, the healthier they'll be. Then swab them out with q-tips. My kids have yet to get sick (even when my husband and I are sick).

5. Don't Share: Everyone should have their own towels, toothbrush, and cups when they are sick. This is advice given to me by a doctor. So keep towels and sheets clean to help get well.

Another trick is keeping tissue boxes throughout the house. Have you ever been guilty of wiping your nose on the backside of your hand, or your shirt...be honest! If there are tissue boxes everywhere, all you need to do is reach for one. Keeping things accessible is the key.

6. Breastfeed: I am the biggest advocate for breastfeeding. I breastfed my oldest till she was 2 (I KNOW...that's long :), but she never got sick! They get your anti-bodies and through this keep healthy.

If your not, plenty of fluids for the kids and yourself, to flush things out. My daughter loves milk, and Cow milk has vitamin D which also helps as a preventative.

7. Shower: A simple task, you would think, but being a mom doesn't always allow you time to shower the way you once used to. I shower with my kids, just because it's easier to bathe them and myself at the same time. Showering and blow-drying your hair (cause for some reason wet hair makes you feel worse) helps you feel better and look better :). 2 in one!

Now you're probably thinking I'm just a big germ-a-phobe, and you're right, BUT hopefully you'll take my advice and it'll help keep you well this flu season!

Sickness + Mom = No fun for anyone

PS: Howie Mandel is a germ-a-phobe...and look! He has his own show!