Knowledge is power

Luke has a runny nose, slight cough, mild congestion, all that jazz...So winter comes and so do the colds. No big thing right? Well, not really. I mean, you don't have to go to the doctor (there's nothing they can do), but it can last about 1-2 weeks (ugh) and you can't give 2 year olds cold medicine.
So being the information person that I am, I spent a few minutes today online looking up some home-tried-and-true-remedies. What surprised me was how many of them I already knew, and how many are just common sense! So I've got quite a list here and I'm going to share!
Consider yourselves lucky ;)

Honey-"A spoonful of honey soothes coughs just as well or better than cough medicine."-according to a recent study you can read about here.

Yogurt-One study found that participants who ate 3/4 cup yogurt a day before and during cold season had 25 percent fewer colds. But you've got to start early and maintain your yogurt-eating throughout the peak cold season.

Vitamin C-won't prevent a cold, but it may help once you have a cold, can help boost the immune system and reduce the length and severity of symptoms (but don't take too much!), some people say that it can shorten a cold from 7 days to 2-3!

Chicken soup-Yay-it does help a cold. It's one of the most beneficial hot fluids you can consume when you have a cold. Scientists believe it's the fumes in the soup that release the mucus in your nose and help your body better fight against its viral invaders. Chicken soup also contains cysteines, which are good at thinning mucus. And the soup provides easily absorbed nutrients.

Lemons/lemon juice-help soothe sore throats and gives you some added vitamin C to help your immune system

Tea-A cup of hot tea with honey does the same trick as chicken soup; it loosens up your nasal passages and makes that stuffy nose feel better. Add lemon juice too!

Humidifier-adds moisture to your immediate environment, which may make you feel more comfortable and will keep your nasal tissues moist. That's helpful because dry nasal membranes provide poor protection against viral invasion. The steam from a vaporizer can loosen mucus, especially if the mucus has become thick. Also-the germs that give you a cold thrive better in dry air.

Stay warm-when your body has to fight off the cold temperatures to keep you warm it stresses your body and detractes from your ability to fight off your cold.

Wear socks or footsies in bed-^ same reason

Rest-Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body-help your body out!

Blow your nose (the right way)-make sure you don't sniffle the mucus back into your body, or even get it into your chest, but don't blow so hard you get a headache or earache-and always wash your hands after!

Wash your hands-go ahead and do this whenever you feel like-the other people in your life with thank you for it.

Drink plenty of fluids-Fluids may help thin the mucus, thus keeping it flowing freely and making it easier for the body to expel, along with the viral particles trapped within it. Water and other liquids also combat dehydration. Hot liquids have an added benefit because they can relieve nasal congestion and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

Steamy shower or bath-moisturize your nasal passages and relax you (that's good right?!) throw a little something extra like a batherapy (has eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, etc) you can get at any store.

Elevate your head when you sleep-This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

Saline nasal sprays, and Vick's vapor rubs on chests, or even the plug-ins-all great stuff!

Now I'm sure you knew most of that stuff as well, but remember it now and be armed for the cold season!