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Q: Now that the FDA says I shouldn't give my child cold medicines, how can I ease his cold symptoms?

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A: As difficult as it is to see your baby coughing and sniffling, it's very important not to give cough and cold medicines to children under two years of age since it can cause serious and, in rare instances, potentially life-threatening side effects, including convulsions, rapid heart rate and decreased levels of consciousness. What's more, the FDA has determined that such medicines aren't necessarily effective in treating kids, so the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

Fortunately, there's still plenty you can do to ease your child's cold symptoms without drugs, says Matt Musick, M.D., chief resident at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. To treat a fever, use acetaminophen, making sure to follow the dosages prescribed on the package. For a stuffed-up nose, try saline nose drops or use a bulb syringe to suction mucus. Adding moisture to the air with a cool-mist humidifier can help with breathing, as can sitting in a steamy bathroom with a hot shower running.

It's also important to keep your child well-hydrated. If he is still on breast milk, then continue breast-feeding, which provides nutrition as well as fluid. For kids between one and two years of age, juice diluted with water can do the trick, as can a drink containing electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade mixed with water.

While most colds resolve by themselves in time, you should always consult your doctor if your child has severe difficulty breathing, is not urinating much (which can be a sign of dehydration) or if you are concerned about any of your child's other symptoms, advises Dr. Musick.

Q: How exactly does my pedometer work, and is it really accurate?

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A: Pedometers measure how much walking you do, based on the number of steps you take. They work by measuring the up-and-down movement of your hips as you walk. The quality and price of pedometers varies widely, as does their accuracy, according to Stacy Clemes, Ph.D., lecturer in ergonomics at Loughborough University in England, who recently conducted a study on the devices.

To find out how your pedometer rates, Clemes recommends the 50-step test. "For this test, you simply wear the pedometer, ensure that it is showing zero steps and then walk 50 paces at your usual walking speed," she instructs. "The pedometer should ideally be accurate to within 3 percent of actual steps taken." In other words, after taking 50 steps, your pedometer should read no less than 48 steps and no more than 52.

For the most accurate readings, Clemes recommends wearing your pedometer on your waistband or belt, "in line with the midline of the thigh." It also helps to walk at a brisk pace, generally above 2.5 to 3 mph, since pedometers are less accurate at slower speeds.

Q: Will taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help my aching knees?

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A: Achy knees can result from mild osteoarthritis, a chronic (and common) condition where wear and tear causes the cartilage inside your joints to deteriorate. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones; without it, bone rubs against bone resulting in pain and stiffness. Your body naturally produces glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to build and maintain cartilage. This has led some people to take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in hope of boosting their body's natural arthritis defense.

Does it work? Some studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements "might lessen pain in 30 to 50 percent of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis," says James McKoy, M.D., a rheumatologist at the Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii. However, the results are less promising for people with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The bottom line: "I believe it is worthwhile to take both high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate," says Dr. McKoy. If you decide to give it a try, keep in mind that there are no manufacturing regulations, so quality and effectiveness can vary. "Look for a product with the word 'standardized' on the label, and buy from a reputable source," advises Dr. McKoy. "If you experience no relief after four to six weeks, stop spending your money on it."

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