I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV… making news this week…
How best to prevent and treat the common cold
Why using smartphones for bedside business may backfire
And fresh concerns about pre-adolescent obesity.
First this week…the bottom-line on how to stop a cold from taking hold

Researchers reviewed a wide range of available studies and the top tip for prevention wash your hands. Whether with soap and water or alcohol disinfectant, this preemptive move has proven pretty good at keeping a cold at bay.

For pediatric protection, daily zinc supplements also appeared to ward off the coughing, sniffles and other symptoms.

Once the common cold strikes, the research shows striking back with antihistamines, decongestants, and analgesics like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may work best for symptom relief in adults and older children. And while ineffective against congestion, nasal sprays containing the allergy drug ipratropium might just stop a runny nose in its tracks.

Moving on to the technology front

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Football and the Brain

A single season of high school football can result in measurable brain changes, study finds.

Women and Heart Attack

Young women have poorer physical and mental functioning after heart attack than men, a new study finds.

Firearm Access Alert

Having access to a gun in a home significantly increases the risk of homicide and suicide, study finds