Family Health
Convenient Quick Fixes When You Aren't Feeling 100 Percent
By
Jan 9, 2009 - 6:42:46 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com)-There are a number of quick fixes that could help keep you going when a cold's got you feeling less than your best.

Still, the common cold--which is the most frequently occurring illness in the world--is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from work and school.1

In fact, the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that the common cold costs the economy about $40 billion annually, and, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, people in the U.S. suffer from about 1 billion colds each year.

So what's the best way to deal with the sniffles, aches, sore throats and other symptoms associated with the common cold? "Find fast relief techniques that work for you," says Dr. Jordan Josephson, internationally renowned nasal and endoscopic sinus surgeon. "The fact is you can't always stay in bed and wait out a cold when you're not feeling 100 percent. But in addition to over-the-counter or prescription medication, there are convenient companion treatments you can use to feel a little better."

Dr. Josephson offers these quick relief tips:

Sore Throat

If you've got an itchy sore throat, try combining a cup of warm water with a quarter of a teaspoon of salt and gargling with the mix. Gargle as often as needed, but try not to swallow the liquid because it's high in sodium.

Stuffy Nose

Saline rinses can help put sniffles and nasal congestion to bed. The rinses moisturize your nasal cavity and loosen mucus.

Steam Showers or Humidifiers

To soothe chest congestion or headaches, try taking a steamy shower and using a humidifier while you are sleeping. Both help keep your airways moisturized during the dry months of winter.

Cough/Throat Irritation

To find on-the-go, quick relief to get you through the day, use a cough drop such as HALLS®, which starts working within 10 seconds and can relieve a cough, soothe a sore throat and cool nasal passages.

New HALLS Naturals™ has a soothing center made with 100 percent pure Wildflower Honey. "The drops can be a simple way to relieve symptoms wherever you are," says Dr. Josephson. "And when you feel better, it can mean fewer missed days at work or school, keeping a cold from taking a toll on your life."

For more information, visit www.gethalls.com.

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