When kiddo is sick you’ll do anything to make them feel better. But do so-called “folk remedies” actually work?
A few years ago, San Diego mom Debbie Vigan posted her unusual cold cure on Facebook, namely, putting sliced potatoes in her son’s socks as he slept. After a night sleeping with potato socks, her son had stopped coughing and his runny nose dried up. While Vigan mentioned she “saw an article” touting the cough and cold home remedy, she didn’t include her source—but the idea isn’t entirely out of left field.
According to Healthline, putting onions in your socks is an old folk remedy for kicking the common cold or flu to the curb. While it might smell awful, the reasoning behind this trick comes from several different sources. In the 14th century, people believed onions could ward off the Black Plague.
But why stick onions or potatoes in your socks? According to Chinese reflexology—an ancient form of complementary medicine—the feet are covered in “access points” that connect to all other areas of your body, via your qi, or life force energy. Basically, treat the feet to treat the whole body.
Western medicine and science have shown that sulphuric compounds in onions have the ability to kill bacteria and viruses—but only when ingested, and in very limited studies. There isn’t data to back those results you apply those same onion compounds externally to your skin, as myth-busting website Snopes notes. When it comes down to it, there’s no solid scientific evidence that onions on your feet can cure a cold. Then again, there’s also no evidence that they don’t, either.
Ditto all of the above for potatoes.
Please note, we don’t advocate using this remedy in place of consulting a medical professional when your child is ill.
Editor’s Note: Red Tricycle wants to keep families informed and safe and we are making every effort to keep information on this topic as up to date as possible.
Updated 4/8/20
Cold and flu season is no stranger to every parent’s household this time of year, but it looks like there’s a new virus to be concerned about. Chances are, you have already seen headlines about the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread across the globe, what does that mean for you and your family?
An apparent outbreak of an unknown strain of the coronavirus began spreading through Wuhan, China in December 2019.
What is Coronavirus?
According to the WHO, coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a large family of viruses that are most common among animals, but sometimes they can be transmitted between animals and humans. Those coronaviruses which can be passed from animals to humans and then from humans to humans can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases.
The CDC has found a link between the current outbreak and a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan, China. This suggests an animal-to-human spread. However, a growing number of patients who have not had exposure to animal markets are getting ill. This means there may be a possible person-to-person spread of the disease.
Common signs of infection for coronaviruses include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can result in pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
The WHO recommends standard practices to prevent infection spread including regular hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. As always, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness.
1/22/20
Since December more than 300 people have been infected with this strain of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and at least six people have died. Since then, government agencies have swiftly taken action. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are screening all passengers on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan, China traveling into multiple US hubs. The World Health Organization (WHO) is meeting on Thursday to reevaluate whether or not this outbreak should be considered a public health emergency of international concern.
As per, NBC News, the first US case of 2019-nCoV was found in Seattle, Washington. The patient, a man in his 30s, arrived in the US around January 15 after visiting Wuhan, China. The patient is reported to be in good condition.
1/24/20
A second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Chicago. The woman, a Chicago resident in her 60s, had recently traveled to Wuhan China. She is hospitalized and said to be doing well.
1/26/20
A third case of the new coronavirus in the U.S. has been diagnosed in Orange County, California. The CDC confirmed the case in a traveler from Wuhan, China.
The two other US cases remain hospitalized, but are said to be doing well.
The CDC is conducting entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to five airport hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles, (LAX) New York city (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).
1/30/20
The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency.
While most of the confirmed cases are in China, 98 people have been diagnosed in 18 other countries. The CDC announced a sixth confirmed case of 2019-nCoV in the United States.
The United States has raised its travel advisory, warning citizens to not travel to China.
2/11/20
Guidelines mandated that the name of the disease could not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people. It also needed to relate to the disease and be pronounceable. The name COVID-19 will help guard against the use of other names that might be inaccurate or stigmatizing.
2/12/20
More than 400 experts and funders met at WHO’s Geneva HQ to accelerate research to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.
2/18/20
WHO has shipped supplies of personal protective equipment to 21 countries.
2/26/20
CDC officials say that a California patient being treated for novel coronavirus is the first US case of unknown origin. The patient, who didn’t have any relevant travel history nor exposure to another known patient, is the first possible US case of “community spread.”
2/29/20
A state health official announces that a patient infected with the novel coronavirus in Washington state has died, marking the first death due to the virus in the United States.
3/5/20
There are more than 220 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US according to a dashboard run by Johns Hopkins University. The worldwide count of confirmed cases is over 97,800, with a global death toll of 3,348.
According to the WHO, there are more than 100,000 reported cases of COVID-19 in 100 countries. Of the 80,000 reported cases in China, more than 70% have recovered and been discharged. As shown, with early action the virus can be slowed down, preventing further spread. Among those who are infected, most will recover.
Some school districts, colleges and universities are closing and turning to virtual classrooms. Large gatherings and sporting events may be impacted as the Coronavirus spreads.
3/11/20
There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.
The WHO has characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.
3/13/20
A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Solidarity Response Fund will raise money from a wide range of donors to support the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency.
3/16/20
The WHO has shipped almost 1.5 million tests to 120 countries. They advise that all confirmed cases, even mild cases, should be isolated in health facilities, to prevent transmission and provide adequate care. People infected with COVID-19 can still infect others after they stop feeling sick, so these measures should continue for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear.
3/19/20
During a press briefing on COVID-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked world leaders to come together and offer an urgent and coordinated global response.
3/24/20
As of today, the WHO reports that there are 372,757 confirmed cases, 16,231 confirmed deaths and 195 countries, areas or territories with cases/
3/31/20
According to the CDC, all 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19.
U.S. COVID-19 cases include, imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of a known case and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown.
Most U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19.
4/2/20
The WHO is providing advice to help you and your family be healthy at home.
4/6/20
The WHO has joined forces with FIFA to launch the #BeActive campaign on the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to encourage people to be #HealthyAtHome.
They also issued updated guidance on masks. The CDC is recommending the use of a cloth face covering to keep people who are infected but do not have symptoms from spreading COVID-19 to others.
4/7/20
The White House “Slow the Spread” guidelines are in place until Apr.30. These are part of a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the implementation of social distancing at all levels of society.
Did you resolve to visit more museums this year? Any resolutions about staying on a budget? Good news: You can tackle both at once. We have the skinny on upcoming free or discount museum (and zoo and garden) days right here. (Psst. . . you can also stop at a Chicago Public Library to check out a free admission pass to select Chicago museums.) Click through for the scoop on where and when to get your free culture fix.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum via Maria Chambers
Free & Discount Days: Hurray for free basic admission for Illinois residents the entire month of February! (You can upgrade to see a special exhibition.) Throughout the year, the museum adds discount days for basic museum admission. Chicago residents also save $5 on their basic admission ticket every day with proof of residency. When you have a day you're itching to get out of the house, check their calendar to see if exploring the Field for free is an optional boredom buster.
What Kids Love: From Sue the T.Rex, newcomer Titanosaur Máximo and mummies to special exhibits, kids get their curiosity fix at this Chicago classic. A kid favorite is Underground Adventure, where they'll get a bug’s-eye view of the world. Your crew will magically shrink to 1/100th of your actual size to explore an immersive environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. Until Apr. 19, the Fantastic Bug Encounters exhibit gives kids a hands-on opportunity to discover how bugs’ incredible adaptations are changing the world,
Located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-922-9410 or fieldmuseum.org).
Museum Science + Industry
Museum Science Industry
Free Days: There is free general admission for Illinois residents on Feb. 3-6, 10-13, 18-20 & 24-27. Museum entry does not include parking, special exhibits and events, Omnimax movies, Coal Mine or U-505 on-board tours.
What Kids Love: In a beautiful building built for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1892, this stunner is the end-all, be-all for curious kids. They'll especially love the Science Storms, an exhibit hall that tackles questions like: Why does lightning strike? and Why does a flame burn? Don’t miss the Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze exhibit that explores numbers and patterns found in nature and culminate with a mirror maze guaranteed to elicit giggles.
Located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park; (773-684-1414 or msichicago.org).
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Free Days: Every Tuesday there is no admission for Illinois residents. Because they believe art should be accessible to everyone, no exceptions, the MCA always has a pay-what-you-can policy everyday so no one will be turned away.
What Kids Love: The museum’s permanent collection includes video, visual and audio art leading to a great post-visit conversation about what you saw and what is art. It also offers experiences that redefine the way kids and families explore and create art together. Every second Saturday MCA hosts Family Day, a free monthly program where Chicago artists transform the museum and you can take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., Streeterville; (312-280-2660 or mcachicago.org).
Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium
Discount Days: Several days a year, the Planetarium offers free general admission to Illinois residents. Upcoming dates include Feb. 4-6, 11-13 & 17-20; Mar. 9-12; Apr. 20-23; May 10-16; Jun. 2, 9 & 16; Aug. 22-23 & 31; Sep. 1-4; Oct. 12-15; Nov. 11 & 17-19; Dec. 4-6. The Adler Planetarium sometimes adds discount days throughout the year, so check their website under Special Offers.
What Kids Love: You'll see stars even on the sunniest day and aspiring astronauts can discover a new planet in the Planet Explorers exhibit, where kids take the helm in a modern-day space adventure and climb, crawl, play and learn what it takes to be a part of a space mission. Scientists are often on hand to answer even the most difficult space questions. The newly opened Community PlayLab emphasizes learning through play by providing materials and experiences that encourage young kids to make sense of the world around them.
Located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org).
Chicago Children's Museum
Chicago Children's Museum
Free Days: There is discounted admission for everyone on Play Late Thursdays, when up to 4 people can enter the museum for $20 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Also, kids ages 15 & under can enter the museum for free the first Sunday of each month for First Free Sundays. Veterans and active military receive free admission every day.
What Kids Love: What’s not to love? Little ones can climb, bang, create, splash and dance at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Through May 10, in the temporary Castle exhibit, young imaginations are invited to play in a castle with secret tunnels, a rope bridge, tower, dungeon, throne room, wizard's room, kitchen, feasting table, market and more. And the new Cloud Buster is a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking, qualities that are inherent to childhood
Discount Days: Enjoy Illinois resident discount days on Feb. 3-7, 10-14, 17-21 & 24-28. General admission for Chicago residents is discounted to $19.95/adults and $14.95/ages 3-11 everyday.
What Kids Love: Welcome to an underwater adventure — without getting wet. From clownfish (aka: Nemo) to penguins (aka: Happy Feet), kids love seeing the familiar and discovering new underwater creatures big and small. Oh, and, the baby otters are cuteness overload and worth a visit. In Underwater Beauty, you'll see 100 species from around the world come together displaying a variety of adaptations and characteristics of aquatic beauty including: Shimmer, Color, Patterns and Rythm.
Located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus; (312-939-2438 or online at sheddaquarium.org).
Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago
Free Days: Admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18 and free for all kids under the age 14. For all others, admission is free for llinois residents every weekday, Jan. 27-Mar. 4.
What Kids Love: Given the size of the Art Institute, there is definitely something for everyone. Dollhouse lover? Head to the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Ever get the urge to touch things at a museum, but know you can't? Well, here, you can! Head over to The Elizabeth Morse Touch Gallery where visitors have the opportunity to experience how the sense of touch can enrich their appreciation of art.
Located at 111 S. Michigan Ave., The Loop; (312-443-3600 or online at artic.edu).
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Discount Days: Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents, which means they can enjoy free admission. It's always free for children under 3!
What Kids Love: Butterflies — the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is home to more than 1,000 butterflies (and flowers, ponds and trees) and gives spring-starved Chicagoans a chance to feel like it's not quite so cold outside. If you're in the museum at 2 p.m., you can experience the wonder of the First Flight Butterfly Release. The size of the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum makes it manageable for families with kids of all ages. When the weather is warmer, take your museum experience outside with the Nature Trails exhibit.
Located at 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Lincoln Park.; (773-755-5100 or naturemuseum.org).
Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum via Maria Chambers
Discount Days: Every Wednesday there is discounted $10 adult admission ($15 otherwise), $9 seniors admission ($13 otherwise) and $7 youth admission ($10 otherwise). Children ages 1 & under are always free. Admission includes free parking.
What Kids Love: This is a spot you'll want to visit more than once to experience how the Morton Arboretum changes with the seasons. For kids, a trip to the Children’s Garden can’t be missed as they'll love exploring, learning and playing right alongside nature. Through Jun., Troll Hunt features 15- to 20-foot tall trolls made of reclaimed wood who are trying to make sense of the human world and make us think about our impacts on the planet.
Located at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; (630-968-0074 or mortonarb.org).
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo via Maria Chambers
Free Days: General Zoo admission is free Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun., Jan. 1-Feb. 29 and Tues. & Thurs., Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
What Kids Love: Animals, of course! Everyone has their favorites so we won’t tell you which animals to see. Whether pretending to be a zookeeper or creating an animal-themed craft, kids learn to appreciate animals and nature just a little bit more. Covering just over 3-acres, Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters features unforgettable hands-on experiences that includes opportunities to touch and feed animals.
Located at 8400 E. 31st St., Brookfield; (708-688-8000 or czs.org).
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
Free Days: Every day! The Garden is always free; parking fees apply ($25 per car + tax).
What Kids Love: This North Shore destination is 26 gardens in one — and each has a different feel and plenty of vibrant color. They include the Japanese Garden, where you can pose and play amidst striking bonsai plants. And don’t miss the English Walled Garden, where you can make like you’re in the Cotswalds. Also, make sure you look into their schedule for storytime and weekday family class.
Located at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; (847-835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org).
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo via Maria Chambers
Free Days: Every day! The zoo is always free; parking fees apply.
What Kids Love: We shouldn’t take for granted that our city is home to one of the few free-admission zoos in the U.S. Almost all of its wildlife exhibits are stroller accessible, including the outstanding Regenstein Center for African Apes. Go for a Sing-A-Long with Mr. Singer every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Farm-in-the-Zoo.
Located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (312-742-2000 or lpzoo.org).
Ed Paschke Art Center
Ed Paschke Art Center
Free Days: Every day! This museum is always free -- and there are even free coloring books for kids.
What Kids Love: The Ed Paschke Art Center features the artist’s work as well as art inspired by Ed Paschke’s style. Influenced by animation and Chicago, the colorful art connects with kids. We suggest having that post-visit conversation over a plate of ribs at the nearby Gale Street Inn.
Located at 5415 W. Higgins Ave., Jefferson Park; (312-533-4911 or edpaschkeartcenter.org).
International Museum of Surgical Science
International Museum of Surgical Science
Free Days: Admission is free to all Feb. 3-7, 10-13 & 17-21; Nov. 30-Dec. 4; Dec. 7-11 & Dec. 14-18 and always free for kids ages 3 & under.
What Kids Love: Budding medical professionals will be fascinated by seeing the evolution of medicine and medical equipment (don’t miss the X-rays). This is definitely a museum for older kids, though, as the museum does not sugarcoat the way medicine was in the past, torture devices and all. Definitely make time for a stop at the gift shop where you will find some of the most unusual take-home items. Common cold plush toy, anyone?
Located at 1542 N. Lake Shore Dr., Downtown; (312-642-6502 or imss.org).
Many kids dread going to the doctor. In fact, a recent study found that 66 percent of young kids were afraid of going to the doctor because of shots and 43 percent had stranger anxiety. By communicating openly with your kids about their health and any concerns they may have, you prevent doctor’s visits from being stressful for the whole family. At the same time, you also instill in your children a proactive approach to their health and help them have a more positive relationship to receiving care.
Still, as a parent, there are several health topics that are difficult to discuss or can be considered taboo. So, what are the five most critical topics to discuss with your kids, that are often dismissed or overlooked due to discomfort?
Below are topics that I believe are essential to discuss to help you connect with your children, build trust, and teach your children how to keep themselves healthy day-to-day.
1. It’s never too early to have “the talk”
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of early discussions about sex, sexuality, and reproductive health. How early should this start? Since every parent, and kid is (literally) different and their family dynamics and value systems will inevitably dictate some of the timing, and approach to this discussion, there is no one rule to follow. However parents need to be aware that today’s discussion about sexual health should include topics such as social media, misinformation on the internet, and even how to navigate multiplayer video games without becoming a victim to nefarious adults. Being respectful of your child’s sexual views and identification even when it happens to be non-conformist, will also result in a much healthier parent-child relationship.
2. Stop the stigma around mental health by talking about it
The earliest signs of mental disorders start showing in childhood for half of the people who suffer from these diseases. Common illnesses such as anxieties or phobias are easy to spot, but depression, substance abuse disorders and some elements of psychosis can also be seen in children and teens. Parents should discuss these concerns with their pediatricians and kids. Punishing, threatening or shaming kids for their mood or personality disorders will only alienate them and cause more suffering for both kids and parents. Inquiring about how your child may be feeling in a respectful and genuinely curious way conveys empathy and supports a safe space for them to reveal their struggles at a time of need.
3. Hits to the head are hits to your health
Thanks to the pioneering research by neurophysiologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu, and his work to bring this knowledge to the forefront of public discourse, we know that there is no ‘safe’ head injury. Whether playing sports, horsing around with friends or accidentally knocking into something, head injuries and concussions can cause significant short and long term harm to the brain.
Kids need to be educated about the importance of good habits to protect their head. This means wearing a helmet any time a head injury can occur —even while riding a scooter or skateboard. And most importantly, if a head injury does occur, resting the brain is essential, until the brain is fully functional again. Resting the brain means no screens, no books, no significant activity until the brain fully heals. A second injury while the brain is trying to recover can cause significantly more damage than the initial injury. So make sure your kids know the importance of wearing a helmet, and if they do injure their head, they know how to treat it.
4. Processed foods put your kids in high risk
High calorie, low nutrition foods are everywhere. Mass produced foods with long shelf lives are convenient but awful for the body, and the effects are most pronounced in kids. Food technology has evolved rapidly over the past 70 years while humans have evolved much more slowly. The result is that kids who consume processed foods are at higher risk for cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes than those who do not eat processed foods. Hardening of heart arteries has been seen as early as in kids who are nine years old.
Additionally, red and processed meats are associated with higher cancer rates. So how about shifting to the organic bars and foods at the grocery stores? Nope. Those are also highly processed and often introduce a huge dose of sugar to young developing bodies. Stick to foods that have little to no processing such as whole fruits, vegetables or grains and you’ll see how much less irritable your kiddo will be without the sugar highs and lows that their bodies go through on a daily basis.
5. There’s no shortcut to washing your hands
The importance of basic hand hygiene (using soap and rubbing hands together for 20 seconds, then rinsing, and using a clean towel to dry) in the context of shared spaces or after using the bathroom to prevent the spread of communicable diseases has been well established. Certain illnesses such as Norovirus which has closed down camps and massive cruise ships, are passed by the fecal-oral route. That’s right, something that was in one person’s intestines get’s spread into your mouth after you touch something that they contaminated and the only way to avoid it is by meticulous hand hygiene. Similarly, transmission of the common cold and flu can be reduced with good hand hygiene.
By following these five-tips, going to the doctor will no longer be stressful for the family, and you’ll teach your children how to be proactive about their health.
I'm a co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Carbon Health, a modern, tech-enabled healthcare company transforming the primary care and urgent care experience. I received my BS and MS in Biological Sciences at Stanford University, and graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
January through March marks peak season for respiratory syncytial virus—known more commonly as RSV. So what is RSV? While this virus may seem like the common cold, it isn’t. Back in October 2018, celeb parents Nick and Vanessa Lachey shared their own harrowing experience when their newborn preemie son Phoenix contracted RSV shortly after he was born and had to be hospitalized.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to make sure parents understand the signs and symptoms of this potentially dangerous illness as RSVP season ramps up. Read on for the scoop.
RSV is a very common virus that tends to peak in early winter each year. Anyone—including adults and babies—can get the virus. However, it doesn’t always affect everyone in the same way.
A healthy older child, teen or adult may have mild cold-like symptoms. But an infant, the elderly or anyone who has a compromised immune system may experience more serious symptoms. According to the CDC, 57,000 children under five-years-old are hospitalized annually with RSV infections.
Children under one year may develop bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the lungs’ small airways) or even pneumonia. This isn’t to say that RSV will progress into these often-severe illnesses in every infant. But kiddos under age one are more at risk.
Is There an RSV Vaccine?
Vaccination is an easy way to prevent your child from getting any number of dangerous diseases. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for RSV currently. But you can take steps to protect your child. The CDC recommends washing your hands often—and your child’s too. Also, skip the playdates with kids who might be sick and teach your kids not to touch their face as it spreads germs. For grownups, make sure you disinfect surfaces often.
Another important pro-tip: if you or your child get sick, stay home. This helps your child’s teachers, friends at school, neighbors, the bagger at the grocery store, the attendant at the indoor play-space and everyone else stay healthy.
How Do I Know if My Kid Has RSV?
RSV typically presents with mild cold-like symptoms. These can include:
Runny, stuffy nose
Fever
Wheezing
Coughing and sneezing
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Your child may have a few or all of the symptoms, but typically not all at the same time. Infants and young children may also seem irritable or particularly fussy.
When Should We See a Doctor?
The best answer: when in doubt, see your healthcare professional, whether you think it’s a cold, RSV or even the flu. There’s really no substitute for qualified medical advice. (Read: Call your actually doc instead of paging Dr. Google.)
If your child is lethargic, wheezing, has a fever, has trouble breathing, won’t eat or drink or just doesn’t seem right, always call your pediatrician immediately.
