My Own Front Porch

We haven’t had a “go to the doctor” kind of illness in our household for  two years!  (That is, until our recent brush with swine flu.  See August 1 post.)  For a household of six, that’s quite an accomplishment, I’d say.  Regular checkups, immunizations and well-child visits are necessary; but I’m talking about cold, flu, viruses here.  We take care of the sniffles, ear-aches and common viruses on our own, without antibiotics.  Anything I’ve read recently warns to stay away from antibiotics anyway.   I’d like to share a few of our “tried and true” remedies for common illnesses if I may.

#1)  Stay home if your sick!

Many parents try to play the hero or believe they’re indispensable at work.  My husband rarely gets sick…but when he does, he is down for the count.  He used to drive truck for a food service company.  I’ve seen him trudge out the door with tissues stuffed in each nostril and a cold compress on his forehead!  “Gotta go to work today.  No one to replace me.  Have to run my route.”  Hogwash!  Go back to bed!  The company will not fold while you’re resting.  If anything, you’ll be spreading your virus to others who may not be able to fight it off because of weakened immune systems or simply because of their age. The company may, however, go out of business if you make all your co-workers and customers sick.

What kind of example are you setting?  Some habits we pass down to our kids are good.  This one is not. Your A#1 defense against spreading disease is isolation.  Stay home.  Get well.  Return to work healthy.

One advantage of homeschooling is that when the kids are sick, they’re already home.  We keep our illnesses contained.  Another advantage is that they’re less likely to catch something from someone else (who doesn’t stay home when they should).  I can control their exposure.

#2)  Wash your hands…alot!

I know, I know…we’re not all “Monk-like”, especially me.  But when you’re sick, it’s not just a good idea; it should be a commandment.  Every time you sneeze or cough or touch food should be followed with a good hand-washing.  I learned somewhere that you should cough into the inside of your elbow.  Great idea!  You’re less likely to spread germs that way.  How many people have you met recently that wanted to shake your elbow?  Hmmm?

#3)  Drink lots of fluids, and rest!

Sometimes, you’re too sick to even work a crossword puzzle or watch tv.  In that case, put on your most comfy jammies, fluff your favorite pillow and shut that light off!  Otherwise, do the first two and grab a favorite magazine, your laptop or a good novel and hunker down.  Just because you’re sick, doesn’t mean you need to be miserable.  This IS a form of resting.  Oh, don’t forget to have a fresh drink of water or hot tea waiting on the nightstand…and make sure it gets emptied often.

#4) OTC Meds and home remedies

I am not a big fan of pharmaceuticals, as you may have guessed.  My one and only son had several medical issues to deal with early in life and let’s just say…we’ve been down that road.  I’m very conservative when it comes to medications, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat symptoms.  I keep Tylenol and Motrin on hand for fevers, and sinus tabs and Benadryl for an occasional flare-up of allergies.  These things usually do the trick.  Remember, you’re only alleviating symptoms so your body can heal itself.  You are not trying to cure anything.  That’s your body’s job!   Once outside the realm of what I know can be done, I call the doctor.

Here are a few home remedies that I’ve come by over the years that I KNOW will work (at least they have for us).

Garlic Oil

Hannah had a lot of ear infections when she was little.  We never got to the point where the doctor and I agreed that tubes were necessary.  Thankfully, she has outgrown them.  I wish though, that I had known about this “miraculous” remedy then!  Are you ready for this?  It really works!  No kidding!

Poke a hole in a garlic oil gel capsule and pour half of the oil into the affected ear.  That’s it!  INSTANT pain relief!  One dose is all we’ve ever needed and the pain stays gone!  Try it!  You will not be disappointed.

Becky was at her best friend’s birthday party last spring.  They got to ride in a limo to the birthday dinner at a nice restaurant.  The limo driver (a friend’s mom) complained that she had alot of pain in her ear.  Becky opened up her purse and offered her a garlic oil capsule.  Shelley went back into the restaurant’s restroom and poured the garlic oil into her ear.  She was amazed at how quickly her pain subsided and dubbed it a miracle.  LOL!  *Note: There is one tiny, little drawback to this remedy.  You WILL smell like garlic for a day or two.  My advice is to make an Italian meal and no one will notice.  LOL!

Another thing that has worked well for us is a “home” remedy.

Air the house out!

Even in the winter, when people tend to have more illness, we open up the windows and let the air flow through.  I remember a cold, winter day in Upstate NY (Syracuse) when my kids (all five of them) had finally conquered the flu bug that was going around.  They were still little, so you can imagine what our house looked like…mattresses on the living room floor, tissues and paper cups all over the place…oh!  Did I mention that I was sick too?  I cleaned up the house (finally found some energy) and loaded everybody into the van, turned on the heater in the van, shut off the furnace in the house and opened all of the windows!  We drove around for about an hour.  I came home, closed all the windows, turned on the furnace and felt like I had accomplished something great that day.  I did!  My kids were finally healthy, and I wanted to keep it that way.

Well…that’s all I have for you.  If these tips are not enough, you are probably at a point where you need to go to the doctor.  Stay healthy, or stay home!