The Cold Truth About Cough Season

This is definitely the season of coughs and colds. Do you remember when the standard treatment for a chest cold was getting your chest rubbed well with Vick’s Vapor Rub, or Mentholatum. I think that “Mom’s” personal preference dictated which of these ointments were chosen.

After you got your chest all covered with whichever ointment, it was usually followed with a nice warm cloth cover. Probably a piece of old flannel sheet that was pulled from the rag drawer and big enough to cover your chest and then be pinned around your neck. Was that for warmth, or to keep the stuff from getting all over the bedding?

The cough syrup that comes to mind is Vick’s Formula 44 and Buckley’s. My exposure to Buckley’s was that it tasted so bad you didn’t dare cough anymore or you would have to take more of the stuff.

Treating our cold is much more difficult now, mostly because we have so many more choices of remedies. I think there is a saying to the effect that you can treat a cold and get over it in a week, or ignore it and get over it in a week. So maybe our choice of treatment is it still needs to be followed with lots of water (or chicken soup) and rest.

The best of health to you all!

Gwen welcomes your memories at 367-5582.