The common cold is, well, common. So is how we tend to combat it. We send out an S.O.S. for more tissue, cold medicine, chicken noodle soup and then drag ourselves back to bed until we can function again.

While more rest is definitely in order when your are not feeling well, there is more you can do to not only start feeling better sooner, but also to protect yourself from catching the next round of the common cold.

Take care of yourself everyday and not just when you start feeling run down is the key. This includes eating fresh fruits and vegetables to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs, everyday.

Exercise in any form – go for a brisk walk, take the stairs many times, park at the far end of the grocery store parking lot, do a morning stretching DVD, meet a friend at the gym, swim laps at your local pool, bike ride year round.

If you have aches, chills, or fever with your cold, then activity is not recommended, but otherwise you should work in some form of exercise everyday.

Get some fresh air – it does wonders for a stuffy nose and fills those lungs with clean air. Get outside everyday for optimal health, and especially when you are not feeling your best. Get the family involved, take the kids out with you and keep everyone germ-free.

Make sure you are getting the vitamins you need. Despite our best efforts, some of the nutrients our bodies need cannot be found in food alone, or we cannot consume enough of it in our diet to adequately boost our immune system and help our bodies fight off the common cold.

Taking Vitamin D and Omega 3 supplements are an important part of staying healthy. Their nutrient value boosts our heart health, our brain health, builds strong bones and works together with the fruits and vegetables we eat, the exercise we get and the fresh air to keep our immune system strong.

Taking your IronKids & Adult Essentials vitamins might just cure that common cold faster and maybe, avoid it all together the next time it comes to visit at your house!