With winter finally digging in for the next few months, you may be hearing all sorts of advice from family members and strangers about how to treat a cold or flu, especially if you're a parent of a child with a runny nose.
To that end, CNN has come up with a list of seven children's health myths when it comes to treating colds parents should avoid. Among them:
One of the best tricks I ever found for treating colds and flus is simply putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears.
I first learned of this trick nearly five years ago. I put it in my newsletter and then removed it as I thought it was an urban legend. But I was shocked and surprised with all the email comments I received providing anecdotal evidence of how effective it was. Seems to work especially well if you do it at the first sign of the cold or flu.
I haven't the slightest idea of how it works, but I can guarantee you two things, it won't hurt you and it only costs a few cents so there is nothing to lose.
Please also remember, that although a virus may be a contributing factor in catching a cold, but it's a weakened immune system hurt by stress, a poor diet and not enough sleep that is the REASON you actually have the infection.
The actual piece of DNA or RNA (virus) does not CAUSE the cold. The strategies below actually help address the actual cause:
On Vital Votes, Mary, a registered nurse from Cabool, Missouri, weighs in with some additional practical advice:
"... A runny nose is a sign that the immune system is working to rid your body of something that should not be in it to start with. Most colds only last for 2-3 days and usually your body can handle them if you have not been abusing it.
Also, antibiotics do nothing for colds as they do not touch viruses. If you eat right you very rarely get sick to start with."
Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.