As March marches forward, it’s time to say goodbye to the winter doldrums and hello to longer days and milder weather. Sure, there’s still some snow left on the ground, but that’s not stopping you from dreaming about budding trees, chirping birds… and the impending arrival of the newest member of your household ! To usher in spring, Boiron has a few surprises in store for you, namely the return of our “Camilia Smiles” contest and a gift basket draw at the Montreal Parents and Kids Fair. Come celebrate spring with Boiron!

IMAGINE YOUR BABY’S SMILE ON THE COVER OF YOOPA MAGAZINE
Does your baby have a smile that lights up a room? The kind of smile you’d like to see on the cover of Yoopa magazine? Enter our “Camilia Smiles” contest by April 30, 2012, and you could win big! The winning picture will be published in Yoopa magazine.

How to enter
1.    “Like” the Yoopa Facebook page .
2.    Upload   a picture of your smiling baby, using the template provided, and post the finished result.
3.    Get your Facebook friends to vote for your cover  by April 30.

Prizes to be won

The covers that receive the most votes will be eligible to win:
•    Grand prize: $500 toward a deluxe  family portrait session and publication of the winning cover in Yoopa magazine
•    Runner-up prizes: Two $250 gift cards for a family portrait session

MANAGE BACK TO SCHOOL STRESS

Who has never felt a knot in the stomach before the first day of school? The anxiety of going to a new school or meeting the new teacher? It is only normal, because stress is the body’s natural reaction to cope with a precise situation. However, some kids can overreact with anxiety as September approaches. How can you help them cope with it?

1. Breathing to reduce stress

Show them how to manage breathing, just like in yoga. Help them empty their minds. Reassure them and don’t hesitate to praise them!

2. NEW! Quietude ^® : The answer from BOIRON Laboratories

Think of homeopathy to reduce stress and foster a good night sleep. Take advantage of the fact that it does not cause drowsiness

Quietude^® relieves restlessness, tension, and mild sleeping disorders (nightmares, etc…) for kids 6 months and older. Available in drinkable unit-doses, it is easy to administer and carry around.

The perfect solution brought to you just before going back to school, or even during the rest of the year! And since stress can be caused by many life changing factors such as moving, the arrival of a new baby brother or sister, or a death… Quietude^® is an effective alternative to soothe restlessness or anxiety in your little ones.

THE BACK TO SCHOOL HOMEOPATHIC KIT

When the bell rings at the beginning of a school day, it also reminds us that the days are getting shorter and colder. BOIRON Laboratories have created a range of active natural medication for kids and adults to help relieve small infections. Discover the essential of our pharmacy.

1. Coryzalia relieves common cold symptoms

Composed of 6 medicinal ingredients to target each common cold symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and eye irritation),Coryzalia^® relieves* children and adults without causing drowsiness or loss of appetite.

2. Stodal relieves dry and wet coughs

Stodal is a cough syrup that relieves dry or wet cough*. STODAL is available for children and adults; it soothes irritation of the trachea and helps to expulse mucus. Children’s STODAL is honey based. Honey is recognized by the World Health Organisation to help soothing night coughing.

3. Oscillo relieves flu symptoms: fever, chills, body aches and headaches

Oscillo efficiently reduces the intensity and length of flu symptoms, within 48 hours.

Its tube form makes it easy to take along with you.  Have the Oscillo reflex from the first flu symptoms!

^{*If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, consult a healthcare practitioner.}

YOUR GETAWAY HOMEOPATHIC MUST-HAVE KIT

1. MOTION SICKNESS: MAKE TRAVELLING FUN AGAIN!

Motion sickness is a very common disturbance experienced by millions of people. Kids aged 3 to 12 years old are especially prone to the sickness caused by a sensory conflict arising in the brain from differing sensory inputs. Simply put, the inner ear detects movement that does not coincide with the visual cues. Ears and eyes send conflicting signals to the brain resulting in sickness.

Taken before departure, homeopathic medicines make your journey pleasant.

Boiron Laboratories Cocculine^® relieves nausea, vomiting, dizziness or cold sweat related to motion sickness when travelling by plane, train, boat or car. Now available in quick dissolving tablets, Cocculine^® quickly dissolves in your mouth and is perfect for the whole family including the little ones, from 2 years of age. It is the perfect ally for those queasy travellers!

2. HALT TO BRUISES AND BUMPS!

Summer emanates the joy of running outside for kids and the inevitable scrapes, bruises and bumps that come with it.

In case of a fall, immediately apply a cold compress or a wrapped ice cubes to the injury for 5 minutes. The cold helps to contract the blood vessels and to reduce the blood flow to the injured region.

Arnica Gel^® has the benefits of the Arnica montana flower. Arnica montana helps soothing bumps, bruises and muscle pain.

Its convenient gel format is fast absorbing and offers a cool soothing sensation to the affected region. Truly a must-have in your pharmacy, it should be applied as soon as possible on the affected region.  

 3. SUNBURNS: BETTER BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

 Before stepping outside, apply sunscreen with the right sun protection factor (SPF) for your skin type. Do not forget hats, sunglasses, sun umbrellas and t-shirts for the little ones.

After your outing, treat your dried skin with a moisturizing cream or lotion.

Boiron Laboratories Calendula Gel^® helps treat sunburns. Its fast absorbing gel hydrates and offers a cool sensation to the affected area. Clean the affected skin area and apply a thin layer of Calendula Gel^® until complete absorption. Repeat 2-3 times a day as needed.

4. INSECTS BITES: WHAT TO DO?

Generally benign, reactions to insect bites vary per person. Allergic people should be particularly cautious. In case of oedema, respiratory disorders or fever, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Thankfully, such incidents are rare and simple steps can help avoid these inconveniences. It is recommended to apply an insect repellent before your outing, wear long sleeves and pants when you hit the trail and take time to inspect your window’s screens.

In case of insect bites, Dapis Gel^® is the effective solution to relieve itching, inflammation and hives. Apply the gel on the affected region as soon as possible until complete absorption and reapply as needed. It is the perfect partner for your family’s outing!

WHY ARE WE ALLERGIC?

Some people have increased sensitivity to substances (allergens) that can trigger an allergy. Your body identifies the allergen and fights it the same way it would fight a bacteria or a virus.

The immune system releases chemical substance called histamine which causes the allergy symptoms:

• Sneezing,
• Tingling of the nasal mucosa,
• Itchy throat,
• Wheezing,
• Eye irritation.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ALLERGENS?

Allergens have various origins:

• Food: eggs, nuts, lactose, wheat, etc.
• Environmental: dust, mould, animal hair, etc.
• Seasonal: pollens from trees, flowers, herbs, and fungal spores. Allergic rhinitis or « hay fever » is the most widespread allergy.

WHICH SEASON IS TYPICAL OF ALLERGIES?

Allergic symptoms can feel the same as cold symptoms, but if they persist and always appear during the same seasons or under the same circumstances then it can be allergic rhinitis.

The following seasonal table of pollens in Canada can help you anticipate the pollen season in your region:

A COMPLETE KIT TO TREAT YOUR ALLERGIES

Don’t let allergies ruin your daily life.

BOIRON Laboratories offers you a range of pharmaceutical products without antihistamine and without pseudoephedrine designed with your body in mind.

Pollens 30CH^®: Beware allergies

Pollens 30CH ^® is a combination of the 19 most common pollens in Canada. Use it before the allergy season to reduce pollen sensitivity. To best prepare, health practitioners recommend 1 weekly tube for 5 weeks, prior to allergy season.*

Sabalia^®: Relieves allergy symptoms during a crisis

Sabalia ^® relieves seasonal and environmental allergy symptoms (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching and tickling in the throat), without causing drowsiness. During an allergy outbreak, take 1 tablet every 15 minutes. Reduce with improvement.

Cicadermine^®: Soothes skin and nasal irritations

Cicadermine ^® relieves skin and mucosa irritations during allergy season. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area.

Cicadermine^® also soothes minor skin irritations such as scraps, wounds, minor burns and chafing.one tablet every 15 minutes and reduce frequency with improvement*.

* or as recommended by your health practitioner.

Why not take the opportunity to get back in shape? Whether you are a pro, amateur, or recreational athlete, enjoying sports in the spring is a real pleasure… as long as you are well prepared. Boiron Arnica is a team player for you and your family: it will keep you in shape to fully enjoy the beautiful weather.

WHAT IS ARNICA? 

Boiron Arnica Montana grows in the mountainous Vosges region of France. It is freshly hand-picked by botanists in the wild. This little flower from the Alps was discovered in the 16th century and has several medicinal properties. 

It has been long considered a vulnerary (to be applied after a trauma). Its analgesic properties help to relieve inflammations, twists and bruises.

BOIRON ARNICA GEL: A NATURAL GEL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

Boiron Arnica Gel benefits from the arnica montana flower properties. This quick absorbing gel offers a refreshing feeling. To be applied on the affected area*, soon after the trauma.

Any athlete knows it: health is primary! And for this reason, many prefer using a natural care product. Boiron Arnica Gel is non-doping; therefore well adapted for high level athletes!

BOIRON ARNICA: RECOMMANDED BY SPORT SPECIALISTS 

They are highly recognized and are a tool of trade for both national and international athletes that include the Montreal Canadiens and France’s national soccer team. Discover the testimonies of those who use and recommend Boiron Arnica!
Graham Rynbend uses Boiron Arnica Gel with players of the Montreal Canadiens:
« For my players, I want the very best … naturally! » 

WE ARE SEARCHING FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY SMILE!

Your baby’s smile is playful, angelical or irresistible? Participate to our photo contest between March 28 and June 30th and you could be eligible to win prizes!

How to participate ?

1. Send us a picture of your baby’s most beautiful smile;
2. Invite your family and friends to vote for your baby’s smile before June 30th.

Do not hesitate to share your baby’s picture on your Facebook page to get more votes and win!!

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT! The pictures with the most votes will get the chance to win the following prizes:

• First place : A $2000 Babies’R’Us gift card
• From 2nd to 6th place : 5 digital photo frames valued at $200 each

And for the duration of the contest, there will be a weekly draw of a gift basket full of BOIRON products, valued at $100!!

Spring Break is on its way, with much fun for our little ones! They will be busy with many activities such as museums, tobogganing, skating and many more outdoor sports… But Winter is well set in and so are viruses! Boiron Laboratories will help you spend a healthy family Spring Break with these few tips to prevent from getting sick.

5 TIPS TO PREVENT GETTING SICK

1. Get well dressed

Leave tank tops and t-shirts in the drawers. Make sure that your little ones are well dressed, covering extremities such as hands, head, feet, and don’t forget the throat.

2. Wash your hands

Make it a habit: wash your hands regularly, before eating, after any activities, after going to the washroom or after taking the public transit.

3. Protect all your family

If one of your kids gets sick, insure to protect the rest of the family. OSCILLO is very effective on flu. Your health care practitioner may recommend it as prevention. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

4. Pamper your skin

The cold weather is harsh on your skin, so it’s important to relieve it with a nourishing moisturizing cream. For nose irritations and chapped lips think of Homéoplasmine .

5. Ventilate your house

It’s a good thing to open up windows about 10 minutes per day, even by cold weather! It will renew the air in your house.

IDENTIFY COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS

« My nose is running… »

Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, eye irritation… it’s hard to imagine how our kids can go through these symptoms 6 to 8 times per year.

To rapidly relieve a cold, give them a single dose of Coryzalia 3 times a day, as soon as the symptoms arrive*.

« I cough… »

Coughing is not a sickness, but a symptom of a cold or a bronchitis for example. It helps to liberate airway which is obstructed with secretions.

But, if persisting, it could cause a mucous irritation. Whether it’s a dry or productive cough, you can relieve it with Stodal – a honey-based syrup -, given 3 to 5 times a day with the supplied pre-measured cup*.

* In case of fever or persisting troubles for more than 48 hours, consult your health care practition

Winter! Time to enjoy your favourite sport: ski, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobile…and because we are Canadians, Hockey! With all these fun activities lined up, no time for the flu! With Boiron Laboratories, you can naturally and efficiently fight the winter viruses.

KEEP THE FLU IN CHECK WITH OSCILLO^® AND THE MONTREAL CANADIENS

Boiron Laboratories, proud partner of the Montreal Canadiens!

Don’t let flu make you miss game time! Take Oscillo to relieve flu symptoms like fever, chills and headache.

OSCILLOCOCCINUM:THE NUMBER 1 HOMEOPATHIC FLU STOPPER

1. 1. What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly shortened to “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Spread when you either inhale infected droplets in your environment or when you come in direct contact with an infected person’s secretions, the illness manifest itself abruptly with symptoms like:

• chills
• sore throat,
• headache,
• weakness,
• body aches
• sneezing,
• loss of appetite,
• cough,
• and fever,

2. What is the difference between flu and cold?

From the onset of symptoms, flu and cold can be similar. But generally, flu symptoms will be more intense.
Where flu symptoms will be localized to your chest area (including nose, ears and throat), cold will usually be felt throughout your entire body. With cold you may frequently sneeze but rarely do you experience the chills, fever and weakness associated with the flu.

3. Get rid of the flu with OSCILLO ^®

Available in Canada for the past 20 year and proud partner of the Montreal Canadiens.Oscillo^® naturally and efficiently reduces the intensity and length of your flu symptoms within 48hours.

It’s tube form make it easy to take along with you.Without any side effect or known interaction with other medication, have the Oscillo^® reflex from the first flu symptoms!
*^{Should the symptoms persist over 3 days, please consult your health professional.}

THE WINTER PHARMACY

To help you stay healthy this winter, Boiron Laboratories offer this selection of medication to help you win the fight over viruses. (and these are also available in our kids format) :

Coryzalia ^®

Runny nose? Sneezing? Coryzalia relieves runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing due to colds.

Stodal ^®

Started coughing? A cough that won’t go away? Stodal is a complete solution that relieves dry and productive coughs.

Homeovox ^®

Hoarse? Lost your voice? Homeovox relieves hoarseness and voice loss due to a virus or tired vocal cords (lecturer, professor, singer…).

Read more from people across the country here!

* Before comments appear online, Boiron Canada reviews and may edit them for length and/or spelling.Some testimonials may not be featured on the website.

Back to school pathologies

Is your little one ready for the new school year? Is he ready to face longer days and cooler temperature? The sudden changes in daily routine can sometimes affect physical and intellectual vigour leaving children more vulnerable to viruses and illnesses, prime suspect being cough and cold.

You can easily help them boost their immune system by reviewing these simple healthy practices: make sure they wash their hands regularly, stay hydrated and keep a balanced diet.

Identifying early symptoms of cough and cold

Cold symptoms generally includes: runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and can be accompanied by mild headache and/or light fever. These viral cold infections do not require antibiotics unless complications arise or in the presence of chronic illness (such as asthma).

Two types of cough can be identified: the dry cough and the productive cough.

• The dry cough is characterized by an irritation or an inflammation at the back of the throat, the trachea or bronchus. As per the name, the cough is dry and does not produce any mucus.
• The productive cough is a result of a defence mechanism to discharge mucus from the respiratory tract.

Health Canada new standard to help you choose better

Health Canada has recently increased their advisories on over- the- counter cough and cold medicines, and their potential adverse effects on children aged 6 and under. The new labelling regulation mandates manufacturers to clearly indicate a series of important information like:

• “This product should not be used in children under 6 years of age”
• “This product should not be used for more than 7 days”
• Etc

This new regulation gives parents the tools to choose the best medication respectful of their children health. To make an informed decision, take time to read the labels!

Safe and efficient solutions: Stodal® and Coryzalia®

Subject to the same rigorous regulation, Boiron medications are authorized by Health Canada for children 6 and under. What great news for parents looking at alternative ways to attend to their little ones benign illness.

Stodal^® cough syrup and Coryzalia^® drinkable unit-doses for cold are specifically formulated for children aged 6 and under. They relieve symptoms while respecting your child’s little body.

• To relieve dry and productive cough*: Stodal® is available in syrup form for children aged 1 and up. It contains honey, which is recognized for its soothing effect on nighttimes cough.
• To relieve general cold symptoms* such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and feverish feelings: Coryzalia® is available in easy-to-use unit-dose format suitable for children aged 1 month and up.

These medications are natural, very safe and efficient. They are non toxic and do not cause any side effects. Along with their convenient form, they will surely become your companions for a happy healthy family.

*In case of persistent cough and cold, please consult your health care practitioner.