Here are a few tips to prepare

you and your family for the onslaught of the cold season, which tends

to run from September until March or April.

Wash Your Hands

Frequent handwashing is one

of the simplest and most effective ways to keep from catching a cold.

Anti-bacterial washes allow you to get the benefits of handwashing when

you don't have access to soap and water. Alcohol-based foams and

gels are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for hand hygiene.

Fall Medicine Cabinet Cleaning

Just in case you do catch a

cold, make sure your medicine cabinet or first aid kit is fully stocked

with current over-the-counter medications. You should examine the contents

of your medicine cabinet and discard any expired medicines at least once

per year. Then you'll want to restock with a supply of cough suppressants,

pain relievers and antihistamines that may provide the perfect combination

to combat the symptoms of any colds you might catch this season. Keep

in mind that the most convenient medicines are portable so that you can

manage your symptoms even when you're not at home. Portable medicines,

such as gelcap-formulated cough suppressants mean you can get effective

cough relief whenever and wherever you need it. For example, maximum strength

DexAlone is a nonprescription gelcap-formulated cough suppressant that

is stronger and longer lasting than some popular cough syrups. It's

available in local pharmacies and online at www.dexalone.com.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Maintaining a well-balanced

diet is also a cold prevention tip. Plenty of nutritious food is essential

to building a healthy immune system. A well-balanced diet provides sources

of energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development. Taking a daily

multi-vitamin also helps ensure that you will receive an adequate dose

of minerals and vitamins.

Sleeping Beauty

On average, a person needs

seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep can lower the

immune system's ability to react when needed. Without sufficient

sleep, the immune system is hard-pressed to keep up with its nightly repair

work. This creates the opportunity for disease processes to begin.

These are just a few suggestions

to help you and your family enjoy the fall season without a runny nose,

achy head and persistent cough.

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