Would love advice

[AnnieMaxwell]

Hi Dr Bob, I want to thank you for all of your help.  My three year old will be entering a part time Preschool this Fall and although we have definitely been in lots of classes and around lots of kids at the park, this will be her first time away from home (alone!! without me)  and I am wondering what I can do to reduce number of colds,etc. Increase certain vitamins? giver her certain foods? I just don't want to be missing lots of school if it can be somewhat prevented. Thanks.

[DrBobSears]

I usually give my kids echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc during the back to school month to help. I'd suggest about 10 mg zinc, 250 mg echinacea (or about double the number of drops in the directions - they usually way under dose the child drops), and about 250 mg vit C.   I also give them as needed during any illness - those same doses but about twice daily.  I don't give them year-round though.  Also, limit sugar during that month. Oh, and Vitamin D - if you haven't had her on any, you could consider about 1000 IU daily.