And who's in charge of keeping your family healthy—serving nutritious meals, driving the kids to sports practice and setting up the family's doctor appointments? You, of course. Moms are the family health managers, and for working moms it's just one more job among so many to juggle. The winter months may be the most challenging, with their extra batch of illnesses and necessary preventive measures. So we've put together this handy pullout filled with information, tips and to-dos to help you manage your family's health with extra care and confidence.     The 411 on Colds & Flu It's often hard to tell whether your child has the flu—more likely to lead to serious complications like pneumonia—or the common cold. Doctors can do a rapid flu test by swabbing the throat or nose. The following symptoms guide can help, too:Cold

  • Symptoms are usually milder and come on more slowly than in flu.
  • Usually minimal or no fever in adults and older kids; often 100F to 102F fever in infants and toddlers.
  • Runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; sometimes headache; cough; irritated, but not red, throat.
  • Nasal secretions thicken within a few days.

Flu

  • Symptoms come on fast and strong: You suddenly ache badly and feel you can barely lift your arms.
  • Usually higher fever, 102F to 106F, which normally abates in three days but can last five days or longer.
  • Body aches; extreme fatigue; dry, hacking cough; sore, red throat; sometimes dizziness and vomiting.
  • Most symptoms are gone within five to seven days; cough and fatigue can last two weeks or more.

BEST PREVENTIONThe flu vaccine protects against three flu-virus strains and comes in two forms: a flu shot, recommended for children 6 months to 5 years, adults 50 and over, pregnant women (check with your physician), people with chronic medical conditions and those living with or caring for someone in these groups; and a nasal spray, FDA approved for ages 5 to 49 (excluding pregnant women). Anyone at high risk for flu complications or who lives with or cares for someone who is at risk (check with your physician about your family's risk factors) should be vaccinated. If you're pregnant during flu season or have an infant under 6 months, everyone in your house should have the flu shot. You can expect an immune response to the flu about two weeks after you get the vaccine.

Because the common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses, there are no vaccines to prevent it. To lower your family's risks for both colds and flu:

Avoid enclosed crowded places, where germs can easily be spread, during flu or cold outbreaks in your area. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. And teach your kids to keep their hands away from their face, as cold and flu viruses spread easily from hands to mucus membranes in the nose, mouth and eyes. Clean objects handled by anyone who is sick with a 10 percent bleach solution, rubbing alcohol or a spray dis-infectant, making sure the solution doesn't leave a residue and dries completely before anyone touches the objects. Cold and flu viruses can live on inanimate objects for several hours.Help your family maintain good health habits (enough sleep, regular exercise, good food choices) during cold and flu season. Becoming run-down can weaken the immune system, which may up your risk for infection or make you more vulnerable to complications.

Feeling BetterSometimes there's no avoiding someone in your clan getting sick. If it's the flu, taking an antiviral medication during the first two days of the illness (after that, antivirals probably don't work well) can minimize and shorten the duration of symptoms. To relieve symptoms of flu or colds, make sure sick family members get lots of fluids—ice pops and warm chicken soup count—to stay hydrated and soothe a sore throat, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever, plenty of rest and, of course, the nurturing and TLC that only Mom can provide.The Well-Stocked Medicine CabinetSmall emergencies never come at a convenient time. But you can be ready for middle-of-the-night fevers, as well as cuts, twisted ankles, bee stings and more, with these medicine-cabinet must-haves:    

Acetaminophen (children's and adults', like Tylenol)Ibuprofen (children's and adults', like Advil or Motrin)Antihistamine (like Benadryl, for treating sinus problems, allergies, bee stings)Decongestant (like Sudafed PE)Antacid and/or antidiarrheal medication (for adults only; if symptoms don't improve in 48 hours, call physician)Antibiotic cream or ointment (for treating small cuts and scrapes)Hydrocortisone ointment (for treating external rashes)Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15Thermometer (rectal for infants, oral digital or tympanic for older children and adults)Tweezers (for removing splinters or ticks)Assorted adhesive bandagesAdhesive tapeAntiseptic wipes (for wound cleaning) 3- and 4-inch roller bandages3- and 4-inch gauze padsSmall scissors (for cutting bandages)First aid instruction bookletA note taped inside the cabinet door with the current weights of your children (to determine best medicine dosages) and phone numbers of your doctors and local poison control center. (Doctors no longer recommend charcoal or syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in case of poisoning. Instead, call poison control immediately for instructions.)

Checkup ChecklistSetting up your family's doctor visits is a little easier with this checkup schedule. Keep it near your family calendar for timely scheduling.Mom

During pregnancy Exams as recommended by physician. Up to age 40 General physical every three years, or as recommended. Breast exam by doctor every three years. Pap smear every year or two by age 21; starting at age 30 after three normal results in a row, every two to three years up to age 70. Tetanus shot every ten years for rest of life.

Ages 40 to 50 General physical, mammogram and clinical breast exam yearly. At least one blood-cholesterol-level check by age 45, repeated as recommended.

Age 50 and over General exam yearly. Annual flu shot. Bone scan when recommended. Colonoscopy every ten years or other colon tests as recommended.

Dad

Up to age 45 General physical every three years. At least one blood-cholesterol check by age 35, then according to doctor's recommendation. Tetanus shot every ten years for rest of life. Age 45 and older General exam yearly. Annual flu shot from age 50. PSA blood test and digital rectal examination yearly (or as recommended by physician) to check for signs of prostate cancer. Colonoscopy every ten years or other colon tests as recommended by physician.

Kids

Birth to 2 Well exams at birth, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. Dental exam by age 1. Recommended vaccines by age 2: diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP); Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib); hepatitis A and B (HepA and HepB); measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); pneumococcal conjugate (PCV); inactivated poliovirus (IPV); varicella.
Ages 3 to 10 Well exam yearly through age 5; every two years ages 6 to 10. Booster vaccines between ages 4 and 6: DTaP, MMR and IPV (and HepB if needed). Ages 11 to 18 Well exam yearly. Vaccines: meningococcal (MCV4) by age 15, HepB if necessary; tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and MMR as needed.

Note:
General physical exams for all family members should include taking
blood pressure, listening to heart and chest, measuring height and
weight, examining ears, nose and throat and checking eyes.