Here are a few suggestions:

**When your immune system weakens from factors such as stress and/or poor diet, viruses can take hold. Begin to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your DAILY diet. These extra cold fighting vitamins and minerals will help ward off those germs. Incorporate a multi vitamin/mineral complex into your daily routine (vitamins make sense for kids too)!

** Relax and enjoy the season--lowering your stress levels boosts your immunity and lessens your chances for a cold.

**Zinc--Studies show that zinc lozenges may lessen the duration of a cold, so having them on hand could be helpful!

**Under experimental conditions, the herb Echinacia has been shown to enhance your immune response.

**Sip hot liquids such as chicken broth or tea if you feel a cold approaching.

**Wash your hands often to prevent germs from spreading . . . cold viruses can survive for several hours on hands, tissues or hard surfaces.

**Eucalyptus oil is helpful for relieving congestion. Put a few drops in a cup of boiling water and inhale the steam.

**Vitamin C (found naturally in citrus fruits) has been shown to fight cold viruses. During the onset of a cold, it is recommended that you take 1,000-5,000 mg daily in divided doses.

**Garlic is a natural antibiotic & powerful immune system booster--maybe your friends won't come close but neither will those germs!

**Other health habits that prevent the common cold and aid in speedy recovery include 7-8 hours of sleep per night, relaxation, 6+ glasses of water daily, staying warm and increasing the moisture in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier.