FALL 2 015
life and health
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It’s that time
of year again
Sadness—when
it’s serious
How to form
healthy habits
IT’S
a fact that families share more
than just quality time together—they
share some unwelcome germs too.
A cold or flu in one family member
often means that sickness will soon make
the rounds at home. However, these tips
can help your family stay well.
Practice prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is for
everyone, starting at age 6 months, to get
an annual flu vaccine.
Also, some people—including those
with chronic health problems or people
65 and older—may need a vaccination
against bacterial pneumonia.
While there isn’t a cold vaccine yet,
you can remind everyone to practice
these healthy habits:
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Keep your distance from sick people.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
or the inside of your elbow.
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Wash your hands often with warm
water and soap. Scrub them well for
about 20 seconds (about the time it takes
to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). Use
paper towels to dry your hands.
When sickness strikes
To ease cold and flu symptoms:
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Get lots of rest, especially while a fever
is present.
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Drink plenty of fluids, such as water
and clear soups.
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Gargle with warm salt water to relieve a
sore throat, or use sprays or lozenges.
You also can try over-the-counter
medicines for a headache, stuffy nose,
cough and other symptoms.
However, kids and teens should
not take aspirin—it may increase their
risk for a serious disease called Reye’s
syndrome. And nonprescription cold
medicines may not be safe for younger
children.
Also, you can ask your doctor about
Need urgent care for your child
under 18?
The PEDI Center
is
open seven days a week, from 9 a.m.
to 9 p.m. (holiday hours vary),
at 9900 Stockdale Highway,
Suite 105. See a complete urgent
care listing in the Kern Legacy
Provider Directory at
www.kernlegacyhp.com, or call
661-868-3280, options 1
and
5
.
TIPS
for
families
Stay-well
antiviral medicines to help you recover
more quickly from the flu.
Most people recover from colds or the
flu within two weeks.
Seek a doctor’s advice for symptoms
such as a high fever, illness that lasts
for 10 days or longer, or any breathing
problems.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Lung Association;
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention