KEEP YOUR KIDS HEALTHY

***FIVE BAD HABITS THAT GET YOUR KIDS SICK***

It's nearly impossible to get through the holidays without having to deal with sick kids. If there's a bug out there, they'll probably catch it. Still, there are some things you can do to keep them healthy. Here are five main reasons kids get sick each year . . .

#1.) THEY DON'T WASH THEIR HANDS. Teaching your kids to wash their hands is the best way to prevent colds and the flu. Kids are constantly picking up germs, so washing up as much as possible will drastically reduce their risk of getting sick.

#2.) THEY'RE NOT VACCINATED. There's no vaccine against the common cold, but most kids that are six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. And often, it's free at your local flu shot clinic.

#3.) THEY DON'T USE TISSUES. If one kid's sick, they'll probably all be sick soon. That's why it's important to teach your kids that they should always use a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Then, tell them to throw the tissue away immediately.

If a tissue isn't handy, the American Academy of Pediatrics says kids should cough or sneeze into their BENT ARM. It's less likely to come in direct contact with another child.

#4.) THEY DON'T THINK ABOUT GERMS. You know why you need to avoid certain behaviors, but kids don't truly understand why it's important. So be picky. Tell them to stop biting their nails, picking their nose, and sucking their thumb.

#5.) THEY SHARE. You taught your kids well. They're good at sharing . . . but around the holidays, that's NOT always a good thing. Make sure your kids don't share things like drinks, utensils, toothbrushes or towels. If you don't look out for them, no one will. (iVillage.com)