Every child gets sick sometimes. It isn't uncommon for preschool age children with normal immune systems to have six or more minor (mostly virarl) infections In the course of the year. There are five common principles that can help keep your family healthy during the winter season.

REST~Every child needs adequate rest. An overtired child is more prone to becoming sick. One way to tell if your child is getting too little rest is to see how much sleep they get on the weekends. If your child is playing "catch-up" on the weekends, he/she needs to get more rest during the regular week.

STRESS~Try to reduce emotional stress, which will increase a child's vulnerability to illness. Severe or chronic stress can cause hormone responses, which in turn, reduce the effectiveness of the virus and bacteria fighting arms of the immune system. You dont have to make your child's life completely stress free, but try to reduce unnecessary stressful events.

IMMUNIZATIONS~Make sure your child has all of their immunizations up to date. Eliminate the worry or possibility of illnesss that can prevented (measles, whooping cough, etc.).

HAND WASHING~Teach good hand washing techniques. Most infections that are spread by hand enter the body through the mouth-when a child puts their hands in their mouth or puts a toy in his/her mouth. Thorough hand washing cuts down on the likelihood that bacteria and viruses will pass from person to person.

COUGH AND COLD~Teach your child good habits if he/she does get sick. Used tissues need to be thrown away immediately and not left for someone else to pick up. Encourage your child to cover his/her mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands afterwards.