Healthy kids, happy families: A round-up

January in my house is always busier than the holidays. And our New Year schedule always seems more insane since it's the month when everyone seems to be sneezing more, sleeping less and getting antsy for the summer sun.

We can't stop the sniffles or convince you to get in bed at a (more) decent hour, but we can save you a little time and research. We've compiled the health headlines from Shine we know parents will want to read so you can stay up on wellness issues without adding one more thing to your to do list.

Is Vicks VapoRub doing your sick kiddo more harm than good? New research shows that applying the balm inappropriately may cause respiratory distress in small children. We want to know if this will change the way you use the cold remedy or if you'll stop using it altogether. Let us know how you handle colds and flu season in the wake of recalls and warnings.

Do the cheap fast food menu items seem like a saving grace for your budget and schedule? Before you feed the kids from the dollar menu, read which sandwiches from major chains are the unhealthiest. You might be surprised how much fat and sodium and how little fiber is in the cheap eats. 'Fess up on your family's fast food dining -- is it a habit or splurge?

Do you think your kids are protected since you only smoke out of the window or on the porch? Think again. Researchers are warning parents against the newly coined "third-hand smoke," toxic residue that lingers long after the cigarette is out and of particular danger to babies. Are you concerned your kids are accidentally ingesting third-hand smoke, whether it is from your smokes or someone's else lighting up in the next room?

Are your kids in college or will they be heading there next fall? A Shine reader wants to know the best way for students to avoid gaining  the Freshman 15. We want to hear your tips for eating healthy in between keggers and classes and if you think it's possible to work that weight off.



Keep on keeping on:

• Is it still OK to use baby oil?
• Need to update your playgroup uniform? 7 cute yoga pants on sale now
• One more way for mamas to multi-task: Treadmill desks
• Five things you didn't know about cold sores (eww)