Natural Cold and Flu Tips: An Interview with Dr. Zarbock, Founder of Zarbees
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Zak Zarbock, one of the top practicing pediatricians in the U.S. and the founder of Zarbee's All-Natural Cough Syrup. As we make our way through a difficult cold and flu season, I was very interested in what he had to say. I'm a huge fan of the entire line of Zarbee's products, and I am very thankful for his work.
It seems like the flu is more widespread than ever this season. What are your suggestions for natural ways to ward it off and treat it?
This cold and flu season has certainly been one of the worst in years. Although you can’t completely isolate your family from the spread of troublesome viruses, there are a few things that may reduce the risk. First, washing your hands regularly is the single most important thing you can do to prevent germs from spreading. Frequent hand washing (for at least twenty seconds) along with attempts to avoid touching the face, nose, and mouth can be a very effective way to keep the flu away. Also, at the top of the prevention list is making sure your family is stocked up on key nutrients including Zinc, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D, which can be in short supply with the reduced sunlight during the winter months. Adequate sleep and hydration also keeps the immune system primed and the protective membranes moisturized to help eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria. The regular use of probiotics has also been shown to decrease the incidence and severity of colds.
When my child develops a cough, at what point - if any - should I bring her in to the pediatrician?
It may be difficult to always know when you or your child should go to a doctor for a cough. Signs that you should seek medical attention include:
· A cough that is prolonged, lasting more than a few weeks· Any shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing· Cough associated with fever, chills, sweating, or ill appearance· Chest pain or painful cough· Coughing up phlegm that is green, yellow, blood-stained, or foul smelling
When my child has trouble sleeping due to a sore throat and cough, what can I do to make him comfortable enough to help him get the sleep he needs?
Getting adequate sleep when a child has a sore throat and cough is not only essential for a child’s health, but also for the sanity of their parents. Because traditional cough medicines are not recommended for children, many have turned to natural remedies to help relieve disruptive symptoms. In recent years clinical trials comparing dark honey to traditional cough medicine (dextromethorphan) have shown that honey is more effective and helps children cough less, sleep more, along with their parents sleeping better too. It was after this revelation that I created Zarbee’s to provide a safe and natural solution for this age old problem. Zarbee’s Nighttime products are also very effective for children because they contain appropriate doses of melatonin to safely help children fall asleep, providing their bodies with the rest they need to recover.
About Dr. Zak Zarbock
As one of the top practicing pediatricians in the country, Dr Zak Zarbock, M.D. is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and also practices medicine at Families First Pediatrics in South Jordan, Utah. Now in his mid-30s, he completed his medical training in 2005 at The Ohio State University College of Medicine after earning his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University. At Ohio State, Dr. Zarbock was honored for his outstanding pediatric research and academic achievements. He completed his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Dr. Zarbock is an expert on treating coughs and colds in children and is a regular guest on TV and radio shows, serving as a resource for reporters writing stories about pediatric issues. He was also invited to participate in the September 2010 FDA hearing on Capitol Hill to speak about the potential dangers of medicated cough syrup.
To read a review of Zarbee's products and for a chance to win a family pack of Zarbee's all-natural medicines, please visit this post.
What natural methods do you use to protect your family during cold and flu season?
