Here comes Peter Cottontail...and all the colds and flus to go with him

It's that time of year again. Cold and flu season. Well, let's be honest, if you have a preschooler, it's cold and flu season all year long! Am I right? It's allergy season as well. And did you know, your allergies can lead to a cold or virus? Allergies drain your immune system when your body is trying to fight off all the allergens. And a compromised immune system means we are more susceptible to germs. It's true! Here are a few tips on how to help cut down on the germ-fest.

Hand Sanitizer - This is an easy option for when you are out and about and your little one has touched every surface possible. It's easier than having to find a bathroom to wash hands. Be sure to have plenty of this on you at all times. Remember to use it or have them wash their hands BEFORE eating and/or touching food. For the adventurous, I have posted a Homemade Sanitizer recipe at the bottom of this post.

Don't let them touch your face with dirty hands - It may sound like common sense, but our little ones touch our face all the time and we don't even think about it. Little Johnny touches your eyebrows and asks, "What is that?". Little Suzy grabs you by both of your cheeks and gets right in your face for that melt-your-heart, "I wuv you Mommy!". Be mindful of where they have been and when was the last time they were de-germed. Most of the germs which enter our body, do so through our eyes, nose or mouth. So to help keep a healthy Mommy...keep those little fingers away from your face as much as possible when they are dirty.

Eat a balanced diet - I know, I know...this is not the easiest thing to do. We are mother's of PRESCHOOLERS, are we not? We are lucky to remember to eat lunch! However, the better your nutrition level in the meals or snacks you do ingest, the better off your immune system will be. Your immune system is the back-up plan when the germs have entered your system, despite your best efforts. With a weak back-up plan...the ship is going down! Mommy will be ill in no time. So keep up the fresh fruits and veggies!

Wipe down those doorknobs and light switches regularly - Just another one of those fun little chores we mom's get to endure. But it will pay off it you keep it up. Let's face it, these are the surfaces most touched by everyone in the house and the surfaces cleaned the least. It's tedious, but it is not time consuming. Just a quick swipe will do wonders for the germ level in your home.

We at Lodi MOPS would like to wish you a happy and healthy Spring 2011!!


Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

You will need the following:
* 1/3 cup of Aloe Vera gel (you can get this at most health food stores or at Wal-Greens, Walmart or Target)
* 2/3 cup of 99% rubbing alcohol
* 8-10 drops of essential oil (lavender, grapefruit, rosemary and tea tree oil have antibacterial properties)


* One small mixing bowl
* Spoon for stirring
* Small bottle with your choice of lid or you can recycle your old hand sanitizer container (you can buy the little plastic ones at Walmart or Target)
* Funnel

Mix all ingredients into your bowl and stir together well. Funnel into your bottle dispenser.

Done!!