Many families have been bombarded with the flu this season. Dr. Steven Hauben, Pediatrician from Good Night Pediatrics, offers some advice on how to keep our child healthy and how to help prevent the sickness from spreading.

Hauben says that one of the most important ways to combat the lurking flu is to cough correctly. By coughing into your elbow, you minimize the amount of contact you would spread had you coughed in your hand instead. Secondly, Dr. Hauben stresses the importance of hand-washing and sanitizers since we are so commonly active with our hands. And lastly, in addition to keeping your body clean and sanitary, Hauben shares that the flu shot is still good and effective through the end of March.

Another interesting piece of information consists of a widely common myth. Many people have been under the impression if you are experiencing cold weather, you are more susceptible to catching a cold. The answer to such myth, as Dr. Hauben explains, is that when the cold weather hits certain areas, bodies tend to gravitate toward each other. Whether it be for family events, for body heat, or getting cooped up inside with others, being in such close quarters leaves barely any grace-room for illness to manifest only one body. Hauben expresses that close contact enables the sickness to spread, though these certain situations don't tend to be as dominant in our typically warm Vally of the Sun.

Yet, in the midst of our flu season, sickness hits at all hours. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether our child's illness, which can occur in the middle of the night, is one that can wait until the morning, or calls for urgent care. Dr. Hauben, shares the innovative approach to nighttime medical attention for children, because no child should have to go to an emergency room unless it's an emergency, their mission statement explains. The physicians are Board Certified / Eligible Pediatricians and are dedicated to treating your child's illnesses and/or injuries when your doctor's office is closed. All of their health care facilities are open from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. 365 nights a year, including weekends and holidays. Every patient, from newborn up to 18 years old, will be seen by a pediatrician. Good Night Pediatrics is an ingenious alternative to costly visits to an emergency room and offer complete healthcare for non-life-threatening emergences. They are also equipped with x-ray and laboratory services on site, full services for diagnosis and treatment quickly and efficiently.

To find a location nearest you, call (602)-476-0800.