Cold and Flu Information

It's that time of year again to bundle up, drink hot chocolate, and use a bunch of tissues! There are some ways to prevent and treat symptoms of the cold and flu.  But first, how do you know which you or your loved one has? There are key indications on which it is. Then how would you treat it? And what are ways to prevent it?

Identify:
The biggest difference is that everything above the neck relates to a cold and everything below deals with the flu.

Cold Symptoms:
- Stuffy Nose
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat

Flu Symptoms:
- Fever
- Body Aches
- Chest Pain

Treat: 
Cold: A cold is a virus and is not treatable itself.You can only treat the symptoms and antibiotics will not help because they do not cure viruses.  For a sore throat, try some throat lozenges and gargling with salt water. For nasal stuffiness, runny noses, and/or drainage, try decongestants (various nasal sprays, Zyrtec-D, Mucinex-D, Sudafed, etc.) and antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.). If you are unsure about any medication then ask your local pharmacist!

Flu: Like the cold there is no cure for the flu, but there are ways to treat symptoms. If any nasal/sinus congestion, take a decongestant. Talk to a pharmacist to see which one is best for you. Also, it is important to rest your body and mind.

Prevention: 
Cold:
-Wash your hands (most colds are spread by direct touch).
-Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cough and sneeze into, not your hands.
-When someone sneezes near you, do not breathe in that air. 
-Eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly.
-Eat low-fat yogurt daily.  Studies have shown that it can reduce your chance of catching a cold by 25% because of the beneficial bacteria found in yogurt.
-Gargle with salt water three times a day because studies have shown that it can reduce your chance up to 40%.

Flu:
-Flu Shot. This is widely available from CVS, Walgreens, doctors offices, etc.


Remember, it is best to visit the doctor if you are getting sick because sometimes there might be more to the sickness then what is seen. Be cautious when self-treating because you could be treating the wrong illness and also read the medication labels for side effects! Any further questions should be asked by a doctor or pharmacist.

D.P.'s Helping Hands

As I’m sure most of you are aware, our community was struck by a great tragedy earlier this week. A tornado hit the neighborhood of Kirkstone located on Gravel Springs Rd. approximately 3 miles from the center. Fifty-six of our neighbors’ homes were damaged and many were completely destroyed, including the home of one of our students. In this terrible time of need Discovery Point is reaching out to the members of our community who have been displaced and affected by this disaster by offering assistance however we can. Starting Monday we will be having a drive to gather gifts and supplies for those in need. We’re asking for any items you’d be willing to donate such as clothing, household items, Christmas toys for the little ones, etc. The holiday season is going to be a struggle for these families and we hope we can do our part to ease their suffering, if only a little. We appreciate your help in pulling together and showing our community that we care!

Class Holiday Parties!

Beginners -Pre-K will be having their class holiday parties during their afternoon snack Friday, Dec. 17th. If you would like to help out by donating an item for the party such as cookies, chips, veggie tray, etc. please sign the list on your child's sign-in/sign-out form. Thanks!

Holiday Hours

Just a reminder that DP #45 will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24th and Friday, Dec. 31st. We want to wish all of our families a very safe and happy holiday season!