Tuesday, April 29, 2025

In addition to eating a healthy diet with an abundance of fruits and vegetables, Torkos recommended supplementing with vitamins C and D, as well as echinacea.

“If [echinacea] is taken preventably during cold and flu season,” she said, “there is a 70 per cent less need of antibiotics.”

When it comes to treatment of a cold or flu, Torkos said parents must be aware that not all over-the-counter medications are safe for children. For example, decongestant drugs are not recommended for young kids as they can cause a headache, upset stomach, racing heart and insomnia.

Instead, Torkos said nasal sprays with iota carrageenan can halt viruses and help clear congestion and a runny nose.

She also advised parents to keep honey on hand to calm a dry cough in a child above the age of one.

Lice Treatment

With kids resuming social activities both indoors and outdoors, it’s just a matter of time before head lice makes its way around the classroom.

Torkos said to immediately treat head lice with a non-pesticide lice treatment, such as Nyda, because research shows that lice are becoming resistant to pesticide treatments.

“It doesn’t have the risks that we see with the pesticide products, which can cause scalp irritation and redness,” she said.

Bumps and Bruises

Now that gym class and sports are back on, you will want to be ready to handle minor injuries.

Torkos said to keep a reusable cold pack in the freezer to reduce inflammation.

Tensor wraps can be used to provide compression and support for minor sprains.

To help heal bruises and relieve muscle aches and pain, Torkos recommended using arnica gel.

She also advised parents to keep an antiseptic spray on hand to clean minor wounds, cuts and scrapes.