Sick of Being Sick

Hi Candy, you might want to try Vemma, you can get it at www.DrinkSupplements.com. I have been drinking it since March 2007 and I have been exposed to several colds/viruses from little ones and adults and so far I have been amazingly well ever since I started drinking Vemma and never caught one virus since and I use to have major sinus problems and if I was in a room with someone with a cold you can bet I would catch it but not anymore and I also have asthma and about two months after I started drinking Vemma I no longer needed my inhalers, plus I no longer have sinus problems and not to mention some other major health issues I had that no longer effect me.

This is what works for us: wiping down the door handles and light switches with the Clorox wipes and washing hands often. For my preschooler, this involves washing her hands as soon as she gets home. For me, this might sound a little weird: nasal/sinus rinses. The idea has been around for a very long time (originally called a Nedi pot). I use a squeeze bottle and do it in the shower every morning when my kids have a cold. It has helped me avoid some colds altogether and shorten others considerably. I have to say, the first ten or so times I did it, I thought "this is crazy". But you get used to it. You can get it at most pharmacies and drug stores. I think mine is called "Neill Med Sinus Rinse".
As everyone has mentioned, it does get better as they get older.

Don't worry, this happened to me and it will pass after his first year of day care. Wash hands a lot and whatever you do, don't eat off his plate!

Number one advice: Stop eating processed sugar: no soft drinks, candy, or other sweets: this inhibits your immune function. Number two would be to eat half a cup of plain yogurt (or plain with a spoonful of berries, you can get frozen berries and defrost just enough for a couple days at a time.) Studies show that people who eat half a cup of yogurt daily get something like a third of the colds as everybody else, and it's because real yogurt (with live cultures) helps pack the intestine with the bacteria it needs to support immune function. I would highly recommend Strauss brand, it's also local to Northern California and they treat their cows great, and healthy happy cows make excellent milk. You can buy it at the Petaluma Market, Whole Foods, and The Good Earth in Fairfax. Maybe one day Raley's will carry it if they don't already. PS: Echinacea isn't something you want to take all the time. You should only take it when you feel something coming on, and it SHOULD NOT be used during pregnancy at all. It stimulates the uterus, possibly resulting in miscarriage.

We found a calcium/magnesium/zinc supplement at the Whole Foods store that has helped us a lot with colds. I would definitely recommend you ask your Dr. before taking any other supplements or use any cold remedies, since you are pregnant.
As others have already said, getting more colds is natural when your child is in daycare, simply because you have increased the possibility of exposure, and it takes a while for the immunity to build up.

yes, there is so much you can do. Pump up your immune system..and there are a myriad of ways to do this for you and the entire family. I like to be proactive on all fronts...physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Here are a few ideas... Reduce immune busting foods such as sugar and white flour and processed foods and stressful activities such as violent TV, fighting, gossiping and complaining (especially not loving yourself)...and believe it or not, microwave foods. Add foods that support the immune system and the body...fresh and alive, raw, organic, balanced, low or no processing...etc...
Physical exercise and yoga or meditation has an up=effect and so does being grateful.
Giving to yourself give you more ENERGY.

Using this holistic approach is easy and do=able with the new energy psychologies such as EFT, TAT, PEAT and the WOW process.

Warmly,
L.

Probiotics, increase your Vitamin C, exercise, sleep and eat 5-6 meals a day that are high in nutrients. Avoid sugar which inhibits your immune system.

Be sure to change your toothbrush after each time you are sick! Some say you can wash them in the dishwasher too. But I have always spent the $2.50 for a new one.

Wash your hands often, if you think their clean, wash them again. Don't touch your face with your hands. Wipe down all surfaces in your household. Wash the baby's hands right when you get home. I make my kids go to the sink when they get home to wash their grimy hands. One more thing, Wash your hands!!! :-)

I didn't read all the responses, but if your hands are dry you should also moisturize. I keep cream or lotion beside every sink. I also keep it in my classroom (high school biology). If the skin gets dry and cracked, it is more vulnerable to infections! Being a teacher and mother of a preschooler and firstgrader, I sympathize.

Have you heard of Juice Plus+? It's 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains in a capusle, chewable or gummie. It is a whole food product (approved by the FDA) and not isolated vitamins. It is also the #1 most researched nutritional product on the market today with 13 published, clinical scientific studies. This product is proven to build your immune system. There are also 11 more studies currently underway, one of which is studying women who are pregnant. I would be happy to email you a great article about the early findings of the study. My website is www.DianeLovesJuicePlus.com Please feel free to contact me personally at ____@____.com or ###-###-####

Good Luck!

-D.

Living with small children is a bit like living in a petrie dish - but eventually it does subside. Whenever we seem to be having a constant time of illness, I break out some disinfecting wipes &, at least once a day, walk around the house wiping down all door handles, faucets, remotes, etc., anything that a germ can be transferred to. Of course wash hands frequently as well.

There are plenty of natural & not-so-natural ways to boost your immune system, but definitely check with your doctor before taking ANYTHING since you are pregnant. I was told I couldn't even take extra Vitamin C because the required amount is included in the prenatal vitamin.

You might ask about the vitamin Echinacea (sp?)- pronounced "ache-in-ay-sha". It's a natural immune boosting supplement, but I have no idea if it's safe to take during pregnancy. Whenever we travel up to Oregon I start taking this a week or two beforehand just to avoid getting sick & it usually works.

I would also suggest having you & your child checked for allergies, just in case.

Good luck & get as much rest as you can too!

Extra vitamin C and zinc have always helped me and are safe while pregnant (500mg and 50mg respectively.) Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Washing hands and not sharing food or drinks helps, but it's near impossible to keep from being exposed. Just think of it this way, you and your son are really boosting your immune systems and will eventually not get so sick as often.

I love Emergen-C! You can get it just about anywhere now; I buy the big value pack from Sams Club. It is a powder mix you put in water twice a day. It has 1,000mg of Vitamin C, a ton of minerals, and Vitamin B for a little energy boost. I would definitely check with your doctor to see if it is ok to take pregnant and for your 12 month old. I am a teacher and seem to get sick every year from all the little germies my students bring to school. I have not gotten even a sniffle since I started taking Emergen-C last year.

Good luck!

Wash your hands a lot. Wash the baby's hands a lot. Don't share food, which is hard to remember. And know that your immune system will get better when you aren't pregnant anymore, and are getting more sleep. For me, I was sick nonstop the first winter my daughter was in daycare, and then then next winters were better for all of us (except the one when I was pregnant).

- A.

Put a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse. Use it on your hands and your daughter's hands AFTER you walk out the door of day care, but BEFORE you touch any of your car door handles. Take daily vitamins, and try for 30 more minutes of sleep for all of you EVERY night. (Weekends too.)

Good luck.

Hi Candy, I know how you feel! When my oldest daughter (now 25 years old) was in daycare, I had a year of off and on pink eye. Everytime she had it I'd getit, and as soon as I got rid of it she had it again! We change our hand towels in both bathrooms every day and that helps. I used to use Airborne the minute I felt I was getting something, but I guess there is some question as to whether that actually helps, and I am not sure you can use it during pregnancy. I now drink XanGo 1 oz 3 times per day and I have not had anything illness since I started drinking the mangosteen juice. This winter will be the true test. I have a mom-owned biz here on mamasource - www.referralco-op.com and it gives lots of info on XanGo. Here is a copy of what they say regarding cold and flu season from their site about XanGo:

Supports the immune system*

Inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection. Symptoms will usually include a redness or swelling, both caused by an increase in blood flow.
Promotes a healthy seasonal respiratory system*

Because the upper respiratory tract can be affected by seasonal changes, maintaining a healthy respiratory system throughout the year is important for good health. Some studies may suggest that antioxidants are beneficial in this process.
Maintains intestinal health*

The gastrointestinal tract—consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach and small and large intestines—is a prominent part of the immune system.
Neutralizes free radicals*

Large molecules with powerful antioxidant properties, like xanthones, may stabilize free radicals. Left uncontrolled, free radicals can damage cells, tissue or DNA.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FYI - I have a contest for a free bottle (25 oz) of XanGo on my site. Feel free to visit and I wish you and your family wellness now and always. V. G. :o)

I suggest having your daughter use hand sanitizer or wash-up with your help before leaving daycare. And have her bathe and change when she gets home. Be sure to use Clorox Wipe on all phones, door knobs, toilet handles, sink knobs, car steering wheel,carseat... This can help you from catching and reinfecting yourself.And of course take some extra C and up your hot clear liquids to clear out the germs. And try to spend some togehter time reading which can double as a rest for you.

Sorry you are sick so often. That happened to us when my son started preschool! Aside from washing your hands very often, make sure your healthy diet has a lot of variety every day: grapes are healthy, but not so beneficial every day as having grapes one day and bananas the next, for example!

Children get sick a lot because they are developing antibodies. Unfortunately, we get sick from them. Some years are worse than others. Hand washing helps, as does taking suppliments, but some viruses you are just going to get. They are airborne and can't be avoided. Expect to get sick until your child has developed the antibodies. By around third and forth grade the illnesses should decrease to about 3 per year.

Candy,

I feel your pain... Wash your hands frequently and most of all wash your daughter's hands right after daycare and frequently during the day. Kids touch everything and can harbor all kinds of bacteria on their hands. Also, make sure her nails are cut short so the dirt and bacteria can't get trapped under the nail bed. Good luck!

Molly

Ditto on the handwashing (ask any teacher!) Also, I use ImmuneFizz (available at Costco) regularly during the school week (once a day or every other day). Lastly, the minute you notice the slightest bit of soreness or scratchiness in your throat, put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into each ear. (Be sure to give it a few minutes between ears to give the hydrogen peroxide a chance to fizzle and do its thing). Someone gave me this advice last year and I thought they were crazy, but I have to admit that it works so effectively that even my kids have me do it for them when they feel a sore throat coming on. (The premise is that some germs are airborne and work their way in through the ear canal, and the hydrogen peroxide stops them in their tracks). At any rate, it's an inexpensive treatment, and most homes have a bottle. Hope this helps.

I was cracking up when I read the subject of your question. I was saying that all the time when I was 5 & 6 months pregnant this summer with my second baby. It seemed every time I woke up i was sick. It was a combo of allergies and colds for me as my son started preschool this summer and was brining home every germ in the book. Once I had the baby my allergies went away. It happened with my first pregnancy too. However, Im still getting colds all the time as my son is still in school and my husband lives on planes every week. Its so much work with one in school, one on a plane and a newborn in the house trying to keep the germs out. My new son got his first cold when he was 2 months old. Poor little guy. I agree with the other comments. Wash your hands wash your hands and wash your hands. My husband takes a shower now when he gets in teh door before he touches the kids and me. I wipe my son's hands and face down when he gets out of school. Also, I load up on vit C a day when i feel a cold coming on. 1500 mg a day till its gone. You might want to check on that with your dr first. My dr also gave me some nasal sprays when i was sick during pregnancy. I found myself super tired more being pregnant the second time around too which was not good on your immune system. Also we have hempa filters in the house which helps a lot. I wipe down all the surfaces in my house now every other day and I keep all dishes and drinking glasses up. I never leave food out or anything where germs can live. We also throw our snot tissues in the outside trash or throw them in the toilet and when there is too many we flush it. over all I found the best stuff is Clorox Anywhere spray. I spray it all over and the babies room.

Good luck.

SAHM, 39 with a super active .5yo son and an almost 4 month old son who is full of smiles. My husband works in LA every week so I feel like a single mom. I love being a mom and wouldn't change it for anything in the world. As I always say when it gets tough. "this too shall pass".

I have another supplement to suggest. To enhance your immune system, drink at least one ounce of Genesis every day. Genesis is a 100% juice drink made from Grapes, pomagranate, apple, aloe vera, cinnamon and 14 other infused herbs. Have you heard of resveratrol? That is what is in the grape skin/seed and makes red wine so good of us. One ounce of Genesis is so highly concentrated with resveratrol and ellagic acid (pomagranate) that it provides the equivalent of a whole bottle of red wine and a whole pomagranate. It is very safe for pregnant moms, enhances the immune system and gives energy. You can check it out at my web site and watch the videos at www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon .
Please don't hesitate to call me with questions.

Victorious Living with Symmetry Direct,
D. Hendon, RDH, SMM
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www.symmetrydirect.com/dhendon

Wash hands a million times a day! Also talk to your doctor, you might not have a cold it could be allergies.
Good Luck!

Yes, I got more colds too when my kids were this age. Of course, wash your hands & try using sanitizers. What has saved me the last 3 years is findinf zicam nose gel. I have been using that at the 1st sign of a cold (for me the sensation in my throat is always an indication, weird taste & hurts a little to swallow). I usually just have my cold for a day when I start the zicam right away. You need to keep taking it for 48 hrs AFTER your last sypmtom tho...I have gotten lazy a couple times & then the bacteria has a chance to multiply in your nose & I got really sick. The gel kills the germs where they multiply right in your nose. Works amazing for me! A real lifesaver :)

Hi Candy,

I feel for you...breaking the cycle of being sick all the time. The thing that has really helped me is eating yogurt every day. I use either the Fiber One or Weight Watcher brand as they have fiber in them to help move the sugar along. (I really don't like the plain yogart - even with fruit in it.) I also cut way back on sweets. So far, I haven't been sick for five months. Good luck to you - I know how tough it is to rest with a one year old.

J.

WASH, WASH, WASH YOUR HANDS!! After our whole family was sick non-stop for 3 years (this begins when they get into school or daycare), and then getting pinworms on top of it all (see other mom's question) I became a hand-washing fanatic. I'm just this side of OCD. :) I made my family members do the same, though it took me 2 or 3 years to fully convert my husband. And we are hardly ever sick any more.

Hi, I am a nutritional consultant and I work with safe whole food alternatives that can balance the immune system, feed the body and lower toxic body burden in a safe and effective way. I am a mother of 4 and grandmay of one and all my family uses these products. My grandson has been on one of them since the day he was born and is very health compared to other children his age. There is a distinct difference.

I would like to encourage you to watch:

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This is a 10 minute documentary and will give you some very valuable information. If you would like some more info on how I can help, you can contact me via the comments section or this email...

There is a more healthier route.. L. M

Hi Candy!

It looks like you've already received tons of great advice. I just wanted to add that Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), found at heath food stores) is wonderful and can be used on kids in a very low dose. Its a citruscidal that is very potent. Its derived from Grapefruit seeds. This stuff is amazing and a tiny dose helps. I also wanted to add that I also love Emergen-C, but I'm not sure if you can take it while pregnant. I stopped taking it while I was pregnant because my OB didn't know if it was safe. Now I take the emergen-c in combination with a low, but frequent dose of GSE. If you do end up taking Echinacea, buy the one that has Goldenseal in it. Its a natural antibiotic. Of course, I don't know if you can take echinacea while pregnant either. Anyhow, I'm not sure of the safety of using these things while pregnant. I'm sure the bottom line is you need more sleep, but of course thats easier said than done! :) Best wishes to you!

-H.

Cut out as much sugar as possible from your diet. Sugar hinders the immune system. Besides the usual suspects such as sweets, ice cream, candy, etc look at your cereal, yogurt, juices, smoothies, meal replacement drinks/bars, pastas/white rice/simple carbs for hidden sugars. Also, eat as much nourishing food as possible such as chicken soup, vegetable/meat broths, stews and foods high in beta-carotene (orange veggies such as squash and yams) and vitamin C (oranges, kiwis). Good luck!