Treating Common Winter Ailments in Children

Kids get sick. It's just a fact of life, and parents just have to deal with it. As upsetting a fever or cough might be, a run to the emergency room or even to your doctor isn't always necessary. Many of the most common symptoms children experience through the winter months can be easily treated at home.

Fever

All kids get fevers. It can sometimes seem like your children have fevers all winter, especially if you have more than one child and they tend to rotate. Children certainly get fevers more often than adults, usually because they have less developed immune systems. If your child has a mild fever, a fever medication such as Tylenol or Motrin (appropriate for your child's age, of course). You can help your child feel better by giving them plenty of fluids and small amounts of easy-to-digest foods. Your child should also get plenty of rest and a humidifier in the bedroom might not be a bad idea.

Take your child's temperature regularly during this time. Taking the temperature orally is safest if your child is over four years of age. Under the arm is better for any child younger than four. If the fever lowering medication doesn't work, the fever persists, or the fever is unusually high, take your child to a doctor immediately.

Colds, Coughs, and the Flu

All kids get colds, most get coughs, and many get the flu (even if they've had the flu shot). These ailments are caused by common viruses, but being common doesn't make them any less irritating. Your child may expereince headaches, sore throat, sneezing, a runny nose, and general aches and pains. Many of these symptoms will abate with a little time, rest, and plenty of fluids. Some parents like to administer a medication designed to relieve these symptoms, but it's not strictly necessary. Keep the kleenex by the bed, serve warm foods that are easy to digest, and just be there. If your child is cold, get a blanket. If they're thirsty, give them ginger ale. In most cases, there aren't a lot of things you can do.

If the symptoms persist or get worse, a visit to the doctor is in order. And if your child is having trouble breathing, get to the emergency room. Breathing problems aren't something you should fool around with.

Though you generally can't prevent all illnesses, you can help your child cope with them. You can also teach your child to wash his or her hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes and nose. These practices will help prevent the spread of illness. Feed your child a decent diet and keep away from others who are ill. Prevention will help keep your child healthy and maybe even stop your child from contracting many of the illnesses floating around this winter.

You might also consider the annual flu shot if your doctor recommends it. My children don't get the shot, and they almost never become ill, but this is a decision for you and your doctor.

For more information, view this video:

Family Recipes: Sweet & Savory Oatmeal

Who didn't grow up on oatmeal? When I was a child, oat were a staple in our house. They could be prepared, becoming oatmeal, but we also sometimes ate them dry (do not ask me why; maybe we were horses in our past lives). They were delicious, but they were more than that. Oatmeal is also a superfood, though I wouldn't realize this until I became a fully fledged adult.

With high levels of beta-glucan soluble fiber, oat flakes help lower cholesterol (the bad kind) and protect kids' hearts. But oats will also help stabilize blood sugar level, helping to keep highs and lows at bay. For our family, the best thing about oatmeal is that it's a complex carbohydrate. This means kids will burn up the calories they gain from oats slowly, resulting in them being more alert and better behaved at school or at home. This, combined with how easy this simple recipe is to prepare, make this the perfect breakfast food.

So before reaching for the cereal every morning, consider throwing this sweet and savory oatmeal together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup oats
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries (or any berry you enjoy)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• maple syrup

Method

1. Put the water and the oats into a medium-sized pot, add the salt, and bring to a boil. As soon as boiling occurs reduce heat to low. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring well. Simmer this mixture, leaving it uncovered, until the oatmeal is soft. Stir occasionally so the oats don't all stick together.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Mix in the walnuts. You can really use any nut you like, substitute with a seed of your choice, or even skip this step altogether. You might also choose to use granola instead.
3. Divide the oatmeal into serving dishes. Top with blueberries (or another fruit; I like blueberries and raspberries) and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately.

Oatmeal is incredibly versatile, so get creative. You might want to add cold milk, leave out the berries, use a different syrup, or use honey or brown sugar instead. The options are limited only by your imagination and personal tastes.

Family Recipes: Fun With Broccoli

Broccoli is a wonderfully healthy food. It's full of vitamin A and calcium, making it essential for building strong bones, but it does so much more. It helps eyes due to the zeaxanthin and lutein buried in the stalks and it boosts the immune system by means of beta carotene, zinc, vitamin C, and selenium.

The healthiest way to eat broccoli is either raw or steamed, but getting kids to eat it can prove a problem. When in doubt, try these tried and true favorites every parent should know about.

Broccoli Stir-fry

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and saute chopped onions and firm tofu (you can use diced chicken or turkey if you like). Add chopped broccoli and cooked rice. Brown is best, but any rice your kids like will do. Combine until warmed through. Remove from heat and add soy, tamari, or teriyaki sauce.

Broccoli and Cheese

This one is so easy it almost makes itself. Chop your broccoli into bite-sized pieces and steam. Place in a serving bowl and top with melted cheese. Cheez Whiz is probably the most common cheese to use, but you can use any cheese your kids enjoy. Mine like mozzarella, so experiment and find what works for you and your family.

Broccoli Frittata

This one is great if you have any leftover broccoli that you're trying to use up. Take four to six eggs and beat them before pouring into an oiled frying pan. Heat over low heat and top with chopped broccoli and grated cheese (any kind is fine). Keep this over the heat until the eggs are just set. Place under a broiler for two minutes to give the frittata a golden-brown top and serve immediately.

Broccoli Salad

This is my personal favorite and a great way to enjoy raw broccoli. Take your favorite lettuce (mine happens to be romaine) and toss with chopped broccoli, diced cucumbers, chopped red onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and a little feta cheese. Both my boys will happily eat any salad with a little broccoli and some cheese, so they get their vegetables for the day, which can only be a good thing.

Get creative with broccoli and you'll find a delicious and nutritious snack or even a meal for your children and yourself. There are many ways to use this versatile vegetable. You're only limited by your imagination.

Can't get your kids to eat broccoli? Try this classic video and see if a Muppet can't convince them.