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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Early Reading Skills

Will using DVDs, flashcards and flip books help infants learn to read?

Mammography Screening Intervals

Women who have frequent mammograms less likely to be diagnosed with cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes, study finds.

Tonsils Talk

Where your child has a tonsillectomy may substantially affect his care, according to new research.