Countering Colds With Common Sense( With Flurry of News About Danger...),Health

With Flurry of News About Dangers of Medicating Children, Fleming

Pharmaceuticals Offers Cold Prevention Strategies

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- With over-the-counter cold and flu medications currently under scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with young children, Fleming Pharmaceuticals, maker of OCEAN(R) Nasal Spray, is encouraging parents to help prevent their children from catching colds in the first place.

"The common cold is practically impossible to cure because more than 200 viruses can cause it," states Kenneth Haller, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri. "Since it's equally impossible to avoid exposure to all those viruses, the best course of action is to limit your risk for becoming infected."

Haller offers these common sense tips that many people tend to ignore:

-- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Good nutrition is the foundation for a strong immune system.

-- Drink lots of water, which helps to keep your body hydrated. Water also

helps distribute nutrients throughout your body and flushes away

toxins.

-- In the winter months, dry air can cause nasal membranes to become

thinner and less effective at fighting off viruses. Use a saline nasal

spray like OCEAN(R) Nasal Spray to keep membranes in the nose moist

during cold, dry weather.

-- A cool mist humidifier in the bedroom during colder weather can also

help keep nasal membranes well-hydrated.

-- Plenty of good sleep is vital, as is regular exercise, both of which

help strengthen your immune system.

-- Be aware of your hands. Keep them away from eyes, nose and mouth -- the

most common portals for germs to enter into your body. Also, wash your

hands throughout the day -- before eating, after sneezing or coughing;