Simple Tips for a Healthy Family and Home from Dr. Jim Sears

It’s that time of year again—Americans get more than 1 billion colds every year! This year, the pediatrician moms trust, Dr. Jim Sears, co-author of “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood” has tips to help prevent colds and flu and keep your family healthy this year.

Disinfect the surfaces you touch
Commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, hand railings and even the remote control, can be hotbeds for cold and flu germs. Regularly spray or wipe them with a disinfectant, such as those made by LYSOL®, to help prevent germs from spreading. And remember, a million hands don’t have to touch a surface for it to be contaminated. Computer keyboards and cell phones need to be disinfected too.

Eat right to help keep your body strong
Eating immune-boosting foods, such as fish, citrus fruits and leafy vegetables helps to prevent illness in the first place. Keep your eyes out for bright, colorful, flavorful fruits and vegetables that kids love and that are packed with vitamins and nutrients to keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Wash your hands often and properly
Germs love to spread from hand to hand, or hand to surface. The easiest way to prevent cold and flu germs from spreading is to wash your hands throughout the day—before eating, after using the restroom and if you’ve come into contact with a sick person. Use regular soap and warm water and scrub your hands— including the back of your hands, in between fingers and under nails—for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Use an alcohol gel if soap and water are not available. More information on helping your family stay healthy this cold and flu season can also be found by visiting www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention.

Prepare in advance
Don’t let colds and flu take you by surprise this year. There’s nothing worse than having to run to the pharmacy when you don’t feel well. Prepare in advance by stocking up on all the tools you need to prevent illness, such as vitamin C, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Keep them in one handy place to make illness prevention even easier. This is especially important when the flu hits your local area. Visit the Lysol Flu Tracker for updates on flu hotspots and alerts when it is hitting your area.

All about Dr. Jim James M. Sears, M.D., is the eldest of Dr. William Sears’ eight children. Part of the most trusted family of pediatricians, co-authoring the parenting classic, “The Baby Book.” “Dr. Jim,” as he is known in the office, is a board-certified pediatrician in private practice with his father and brother in San Clemente, California.

Dr. Sears is a member of the teaching faculty at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine. His latest book, “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood,” was released this September, just in time for cold and flu season. He is an active contributor to the content of AskDrSears.com, and is co-author of “The Premature Baby Book,” and the best selling, “The Baby Book – Revised Edition.” He has been featured on Parenting.com’s “Ask the Experts,” and he has written for Parenting magazine. Dr. Sears has been a featured expert on the PBS parenting series, “Help Me Grow.” Dr. Sears frequently travels the country giving lectures about family health and nutrition. He is most passionate about the vital role that nutrition and preventative measures play in a variety of medical and behavioral problems.