NAS, Be] Strategies To Cope With Colds And Flu (NAPS)—This year Americans PeetePia will experience up to onebillion colds. That’s two to four colds for the average adult and between five and 10 colds a year for most children. Moreover, nearly a quar- ter of the U.S. population falls victim to the flu every year. Since there is no cure for the commoncold or flu, mostof us will experience the seemingly inevit- able period of sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and coughing. However, following these strate- gies should help you cope with the symptomsofa cold andflu: Drink plenty of fluids. Increase fluids to help loosen and thin mucousin the nose and chest. This will help ease breathing and prevent dehydration that often accompanies a fever from the flu. It’s generally recommended that you drink lots of fluids, including water, fruit and vegetable juices, and soup. Enjoy a bowl of chicken soup. Findings of an early scien- tific report from researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, led by Dr. Stephen Ren- nard, may explain why chicken soup could relieve common cold symptoms. Chicken soup was found to contain ingredients that could ease the symptomsofa cold. “Soups madewith chicken stock are a wonderful comfort food,” explains Dr. Carole Dichter, Campbell Soup Company’s Group Manager— Global Nutrition and Health. “These soups are nutritious and wholesome, so when people want to be warmeduporjust feel better, they often turn to favorites like Campbell’s Chicken Noodle. —a—i‘ Get plenty of sleep. Rest is particularly important if you have a fever, which may makeyou feel moretired than usual. Try to get to bed at a reasonable hour, per- haps a bit earlier than usual to ensure a good night’s sleep. During periods of heavy nasal congestion, try sleeping with your headele- vated to reduce pressure on the sinuses and cut down on nighttime coughing. Humidify your home. Use a vaporizer or humidifier to keep your nose and throat tissues moist. This is especially impor- tant during the colder winter months when central heating dries theair. Choose tissues wisely. Try tissues that are formulated to pre- vent red noses. Many tissues are now madewith lotion and even menthol, which “softens the blow” and is kinderto a stuffy nose. Alwayscall your doctor if you experience worsening cold or flu symptomsand/or symptomslinger. To learn more about soup and your health, check out www.camp bellsoup.com / nutritioncenter.
