By Noemi Adame, MD, FAAP

Winter is in full swing in Culver! This means you can enjoy a hot cup of chocolate at Culver Coffee Company and the bounty of Winter Farmer’s Market. Unfortunately, the cold weather also brings the season of respiratory illnesses including RSV and influenza. Before you rush out for a mug of Maxinkuckee Mocha or Chad’s artisanal bread, scroll down for tips on how to stay healthy this winter in the best small town in the Midwest.

Get the flu shot. I got mine this season, like I do every year, even though I’m a walking cliché of the doctor afraid of needles. I prefer to be on the other end of the pointy end thank you very much. I get my flu shot annually to protect my patients who are too young or whose immune systems are too weak to get vaccinated. The vaccine against influenza only reduces the risk of flu infection by 50%, but it results in a shorter and milder course of the disease. This reduces risk of hospitalization and other complications from influenza, including pneumonia and death. Marshall County residents have better things to do than spending the holidays in an emergency room, hospital bed, or my office. I am fun to have around, but not that fun!

Wash your hands. Often. Our hands are petri-dishes. Our children’s hands are petri-dishes. Observe a group of toddlers for 2 minutes and prepare to be horrified. Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, before and touching another person (including diaper changes!), and after you use a public electronic device such as a computer. Use hand sanitizer before and after grocery shopping. Find Culver is a family-friendly blog so I will not go into detail of the bacterial load found on grocery carts. Suffice to say, it rivals the bacterial load of a public bathroom in the New York City subway terminal. The best way to prevent the spread of germs from one person to the other is to keep your hands clean.

Don’t demand antibiotics, cough suppressants, or decongestants from your doctor. I often have parents at my clinic bring a child with a viral respiratory infection because they want to “nip in the bud” or “prevent it from spreading”. I regret to inform these parents that I can do neither. If I could alter the natural history of viral infections, which are the primary cause of fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea in children, I would have a house on each shore of Lake Maxinkuckee. I know it’s frustrating to take time off work or school to take your child to the doctor to be told, “Meh. It’s a virus. Not a whole lot to do.” You want something to show for the time you spent risking the icy roads and the Hunger Games-like conditions of the doctor’s waiting room, so you ask the doctor for antibiotics or anything that may make you feel like the trip was worthwhile. Antibiotics will not “nip” a viral infection in the bud or curb the spread of infection. They only work for when your child has an ear infection or pneumonia which are caused by bacteria. Only time, supportive care, and frequent hand washing help treat viruses. Cough suppressants and decongestants inhibit the body’s natural responses to fight infections. I never prescribe them, and I advise the parents of my patients not to purchase these products. Pain-relievers and fever-reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are perfectly safe for children over six months. (If your child is younger than 6 months, please talk to their doctor before giving them oral over the counter products). Nasal saline drops are also safe and effective because they help the child expel mucus and therefore help get rid of the infection. Viral infections can become complicated with secondary bacterial infections such as ear, sinus, or pneumonia infections. There is nothing you or your doctor can do to prevent this natural history. Believe me, if I had a product that could I would sell it to Zuckerburg. That does not mean there is nothing to do to help your child if they get sick with a virus. In addition to the supportive care I mentioned, I empower parents with knowledge: If your child is sick for more than 1 week or their symptoms begin to worsen at any point, stay in close communication with your doctor to keep them apprised of your child’s symptoms, and they can advise you on next steps.

Stay hydrated. Water is the cheapest health supplement ever invented. All those “health” and “wellness” companies don’t want you to know that. While we often think of the importance of hydration in the summer, drinking plenty of water is just as important in the winter. The winter air is dry and therefore dries out our bodies. Drink lots of water each day for healthy weight maintenance. That early afternoon slump we often feel is not due to hunger or lack of caffeine, it is due to dehydration. Reach for a glass of water instead of a soda or sugary treat when you feel this slump. Adequate hydration helps curb the craving to snack. If your kids are old enough, equip them with a reusable water bottle to take to school to avoid putting their mouth to the school water fountain that can often be colonized with germs. Grocery carts, water fountains, and NYC subway bathrooms. What are the germiest places on Earth for 500, Alex.

Moisturize your hands and lips. With the dry winter air comes dry, cracked skin. Our skin is the first line of defense in the battle against infections. If we don’t keep it strong, a breakdown in this barrier allows germs to invade us. Keep your skin from cracking and breaking down by moisturizing several times per day. You can find local products that moisturize and heal at the Collective at 120 Main Street.

Eat lots of fruits and veggies daily. Fruits and veggies are the best and cheapest health “supplements” you can buy. I really hope Gwyneth Paltrow or GNC don’t sue me for telling you all this! Half of the plate should be covered with fresh fruits and veggies at each meal. This ensures that you and your child will take in all the vitamins and minerals and fiber that you need to keep a healthy and strong body. Hit the Winter Market at Culver Union Township Public Library this Saturday to stock up on fruits and veggies for the week.

Winter brings the opportunity for lots of fun and excitement. Stay healthy and safe by planning ahead and following these tips. We are fortunate to live in a small town that provides us with plenty of options to help us stay healthy without having to travel far or spend a lot of money.

For more information, visit http://www.HealthyChildren.org to find other ways to keep your children healthy during the winter.

6 Easy Ways To Stay Healthy in Culver This Winter