News
November 2006
Coughs and sneezes
As the nights draw in and the weather turns cold, it is time to get out all the cold remedies. But are there ways of reducing the chances of getting a cold in the first place?
Research from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre has shown that a 30 minute walk five times a week can reduce the likelihood of getting a cold. The centre asked a group, of postmenopausal women, to do 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five times a week for a year. Most opted for brisk walking and most managed to do 30-minutes.
At the end of the study, a comparison showed that the aerobic group had half as many colds as the control group.
If you do catch a cold there is no cure, but here are some ways to relieve the symptoms:
- decongestants and cough medicine
- antihistamines
- rest
- increased fluid intake
- aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen for headaches or fever
- warm salt water gargling for sore throats
- petroleum jelly for raw, chapped lips and nose
- steam for congestion