A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, HSLDA Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, and their seven children, ages 11-21.

 •  Read more.

 •  View a video of Mike Smith, Mike Farris, and Doug Phillips sharing memories of, and appreciation for, Chris Klicka.

 •  See Chris giving his testimony on YouTube.

In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,

Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day;

And not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

(II Timothy 4:7-8)

Colds and flu are caused by different viruses, have different symptoms, and can have greatly different effects on your health.  Read more at Centers for Disease Control.

The Common Cold is caused by one of more than 200 viruses and is called an upper respiratory infection because it involves the nose, throat, and surrounding air passages.

Symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.  Most colds do not include fever, chills or substantial lung involvement.

Read more about symptoms, treatments, and prevention of the common cold at mayoclinic.com.

The Flu is caused by the influenza virus and infects the entire respiratory tract – nose, throat, and lungs.  It can include fever, head and muscle aches, exhaustion, and a cough that can become severe.

A cold can last two or three weeks; most people are better within seven to ten days.  On the other hand, without proper care or attention, flu can lead to severe illness and complications which can cause permanent health damage.

Read more about symptoms, treatments, and prevention of the flu at mayoclinic.com.

Prevention and care of both a cold or the flu is similar, except that you need to be more careful and aware of complications with the flu.

Many experts say the H1N1 virus does not appear to be more dangerous than other flu strains, but children have been catching it more easily than seasonal flu.

Authorities urge parents to seek immediate help if emergency warning signs develop.  In children, these are:

 •  Fast or troubled breathing

 •  Bluish skin color

 •  Lack of thirst

 •  Failure to wake up easily or interact

 •  Irritability to the extent that the child does not want to be held

 •  Improvement of symptoms, then a return to fever and worse cough

 •  Fever with a rash

Parents also should seek medical help if flu symptoms develop in children most vulnerable to flu complications: those younger than 5 or with high-risk conditions, including asthma and other lung problems; cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other neurological diseases; heart, kidney, or liver problems; and diabetes.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Stay informed. The CDC website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy, including:

 •  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

 •  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

 •  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.

 •  Stay home if you get sick.  CDC recommends that you limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Use any medication with caution.  Over-the-counter drugs, and even some natural remedies, can have side effects or cause unexpected problems.

 •  Use single-symptom drugs such as cough suppressants, pain relievers, or antihistamines, rather than multisymptom formulas or time-release capsules.

 •  Warning: The FDA strongly encourages parents to avoid cough and cold medicines for children age 4 and younger.  A Mayo Clinic specialist explains why – and offers tips for treating your child's cold.

 •  Use cough syrup (only for children age 14 and older) sparingly, as coughing is one of the ways the body gets rid of mucus.

 •  Menthol-based lozenges will help numb the throat and open up nasal passages.  Zinc lozenges may also be helpful.

 •  Gargle at the first sign of a scratchy throat with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of salt or 1 tablespoon of vinegar dissolved in 8 oz. warm water.  Repeat several times a day.

 •  Decongestant drops or sprays should be used by adults for no more than a few days because prolonged use can cause chronic inflammation of mucous membranes.  Children shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays at all.  Instead use saline nasal drops to help relieve nasal congestion.

 •  Administer any medicine carefully, following directions as to amount (by age and weight) and frequency.  Just one overdose can cause damage.
    Repeated ibuprofen challenges the kidneys and acetaminophen the liver.
    Do not substitute concentrated infant drops for children's liquid; this can be fatal!

 •  Don't give aspirin in any form to children 19 and under due to the risk of contracting Reye's Syndrome.

 •  Don't insist that your doctor prescribe antibiotics for a cold or flu; they cannot kill viruses.

Yes!  How you blow your nose, sneeze, or cough can affect your own health as well as others.

 •  Be prepared with lots of sturdy tissues to avoid getting mucus on your hands.  Use tissues once, then throw them away so germs can't multiply in them.

 •  Don't blow your nose too hard or squeeze it while blowing; blocked pressure can force infectious drainage into your ears and sinuses.  Instead, press one finger over one nostril and blow gently through the open nostril; repeat on the opposite side.

 •  When coughing or sneezing, turn away from other people.  If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm or elbow rather than your bare hands.

 •  Don't hold back a sneeze or it can spray germs into your sinuses and ears.

 •  Always wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing!