Every September marks the beginning of cold and flu season. As the kids go back to school and the weather changes, we are all more susceptible to picking up a virus. Here are a few simple tips at keeping the illnesses away.

Wash your hands. It takes 30 seconds and use of antibacterial soap with room temperature water to effectively rid your hands of germs. So, don’t rush through it and pay special attention to your finger tips and nails as they’re the perfect hiding spot for bacteria.

Vaccinate. Although the effectiveness of the flu vaccine may vary each year depending on the strain, the flu vaccine can dramatically decrease your chances of contracting a flu virus. The vaccine is recommended for all people over the age of 6 months old. It is firmly recommended for those who are pregnant, have small children, the elderly or have a compromised immune system. Flu shots are generally available at your doctor, a local pharmacy, or even your health department.

Stay home if you’re not feeling well. Your boss may not like it, but the truth is that it is in the best interest of your coworkers and others around you if you stay home when you have symptoms. You’re most contagious when you have a sore throat, a fever or within the first 48 hours of an illness. If you’re not feeling well then consider staying home to rest and recover and keep your colleagues healthy too!

Cough into your sleeve. The flu and cold virus can spread to people up to 6 feet away through droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze. If you use your hand to cover your cough, then touch a door knob, pen or even counter top, you’re leaving the virus there for the next person to pick up. Coughing into your sleeve can reduce the likelihood of the germs spreading.

At at average age of 5, children start to lose their baby teeth in order to make room for their new, larger adult teeth. Many families choose to have the Tooth Fairy come and swap those adorable baby teeth out for a special monetary gift. We have heard many different ways to make the tooth fairy a little more fun and exciting. Here are some things we would like to pass along!

Print this special Tooth Fairy Envelope. Fill out all the fun facts, cut and fold, then use for safe keeping under your little ones pillow until the Tooth Fairy can arrive and make the trade.  http://ideas.hallmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/tooth-fairy-certificate-envelope.pdf

Want to make the money from the Tooth Fairy extra special, but don’t want to do it by leaving a $20 bill? Try this simple idea for sparkly Tooth Fairy money. http://amindfulmomma.blogspot.com/p/momma-m.html

And of course, one of our favorite ideas: Leave a note from the Tooth Fairy encouraging good brushing and flossing habits. After all, the Tooth Fairy does only want healthy, sparkling teeth in her collection! Here is a link that gives you basic tips to pass along in the note for your child. Choose the tips your child needs most improvement on. Use bright colors and paper to make it attractive for the little ones. Who knows, it may even make your daily hygiene routine a little bit smoother for a while!  http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/tooth-fairy/article/sw-281474979039601