Practice Good Health Habits to Avoid the Flu

According to reports from Coloradohealth officials, the state is experiencing a severe case of the flu this 2013-2014 flu season. 748 people and counting have been hospitalized due to the flu, which is significantly more than what the state saw last year.

Seeing as there is no medicine that can cure the flu, it is important to practice good health habits that can prevent the flu from spreading. In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”.

For starters, people should take the time to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. Do not forget to scrape off dirt and grime hiding under fingernails. In the absence of soap and water, people are encouraged to use rubbing alcohol and other alcohol-based sanitizers.

Eating a healthy diet is often associated with preventing obesity and its complications, but it can also help stave off the flu, as the vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet can boost your immune system. In addition, try to get the prescribed six to eight hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation has been known to lower the immune system.

Lastly, do not forget to get the flu vaccine when it comes out every year. Multiple studies have shown that the chances of contracting the flu is significantly reduced after vaccination. According to the CDC, everyone, including babies aged six months and above, should be vaccinated.

Raising and Treating a Child with Pediatrics

Kids are a curious yet reckless lot, and it can get them into trouble many times. They love to explore and experience new things while they’re young, and will find themselves doing a lot of activities in a lot of places. While such adventures and discoveries are integral to a child’s development and learning, these can get the young ones exposed to a variety of medical complications, from mild fever to serious wounds.

To keep children safe as they explore their surroundings, parents should coordinate with pediatricians. These specialized doctors are trained to handle the many health issues young kids encounter as they grow. Not only will these doctors treat children patients, they can even give pointers to the parents on how to properly raise their young ones healthy and active.

Parents will want a secure contact with a good pediatrician as early as possible; this allows mom and dad to easily reach out to the expert in times of dire emergency. This can be especially handy for parents who have a child that requires constant medical attention. Pediatricians are the foremost authorities in child care, and parents who feel uncertain in certain health care issues affecting their own child should feel free to ask the experts for advice.