General Health for Children

According to the National Center of Health Statistics, ear infections have increased by an amazing 224 percent in the last 20 years, and have become one of the most common ailments among young children. Ear infections are often the result of a cold or sore throat. The nose and throat are closely connected to the middle ear by the Eustachian tube. When a child has a cold or sore throat it may cause the ear canal to swell up. When this happens, drainage becomes difficult and bacteria that is normally present in the ear canal multiplies.*

Earaches are the number one reason antibiotics are prescribed to children. Many children have repeated doses of antibiotics to treat ear infections.These repeated doses can interfere with the body's immune system.*

Critics of antibiotic therapy believe antibiotic overuse has actually contributed to an increase in ear infections by generating resistant bacteria. However, ear infections are a very serious condition and antibiotics are sometimes necessary. If your child needs antibiotic treatment you can complement the therapy with general immune-supporting measures. In order to help replace friendly bacteria, some doctors recommend that you supplement your child’s diet with acidophilus two to four weeks after an antibiotic course.*

Between school, day care and playmates, children are exposed to colds constantly. While parents can’t hope to banish colds entirely there are a few ways to help keep them at bay.

Eat right. Eating right is one of the best preventative measures against illness. Poor diet has been shown to lower the body’s resistance towards colds. One way to help your child form good eating habits is by being part of the process. Let children choose what to eat from a wide range of healthy foods. Adults who do not like the taste of certain dishes may not have been offered those foods as children. Preparing foods in a variety of ways will help kids develop a liking for all sorts of nutritious selections.

Get enough sleep. When your children feel a little under the weather you might want to skip their after school activities, rent their favorite video and have them get a little extra rest.

Limit your childs’ contact with people who have been sick. For instance, you may postpone a play date if your child's friend has the sniffles.

Disinfect and wash hands frequently. Bacteria and germs linger long after a cold. Disinfecting or replacing toothbrushes, sterilizing rooms on a regular basis, using disposable tissues, and keeping the home well-ventilated are a few ways to help control germs and keep them from spreading.

Boost the system with Echinacea. Echinacea has been used to reduce susceptibility and length of a cold. When you think your child may have been exposed to a cold, try strengthening his or her system with Echinacea supplements.*

Supplement your child’s diet. For added nutritional insurance give your child a daily multi-vitamin. Children rarely eat all their veggies, and a picky eater may not be getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals he or she needs to grow up strong and healthy.*