* Take vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

* Zinc lozenges quicken the immune response and aid in reducing infection.

* Check with your doctor or pharmacist about colloidal silver in infants and children’s doses. It’s a natural antibiotic.

* When using eardrops, be sure to treat both ears even if the infection is only in one. Try garlic and mullein drops found at natural-foods stores.

* Have kids sleep with their heads propped up, if possible.

* Daily eucalyptus inhalation can loosen mucous. Add 3 drops to steaming water and have the child lean over steam with a towel covering his or her head.

* Give only spring water to drink.

* Every mom should read Dr. Lendon Smith’s book on food allergies. It’s astonishing.

Address correspondence to Jody Godfrey, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, MO 64802.