Keeping Your Child Healthy in a Germ-Filled World (ePub)

A "well written and easily comprehended" guide to the microbes in our midst-and how to protect kids from infections (Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal).

We're all too aware that the world is full of germs-viruses old and new, parasites, fungi, bacteria that sometimes evolve into antibiotic-resistant superbugs. But the truth is that while infections are harmful, not all germs are bad. In fact, some of them we can't live without.

In this book a pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases gives parents the clear information they need to keep their families healthy-without panicking or going overboard. Dr. Athena P. Kourtis sorts through topics including antibiotics, vaccines, hygiene, health foods, and home remedies, and identifies which rules to follow-and which ones to ignore. She says:

• No to overprotecting your children from germs
• No to antimicrobial soaps and cleaning products at home
• No to over-prescribed antibiotics
• Yes to strategic hand washing
• Yes to being conscious of germs and the pathways they use
• Yes to vaccines

She offers tips for protecting children at home, in school, at meals, on the playground, on trips, while playing sports-and answers questions that commonly worry parents. How many times should you wash prewashed spinach? (At least twice.) Does getting enough sleep help fight infection? (Yes.) Are pre-sliced foods more likely to spread infection? (They are.) This comprehensive guide is the first step in helping you and your child stay afloat in the microbial sea.