It’s that time of year. Eyes water. Noses run. And schools, playgrounds, and homes become war zones. At my house, it seems germs are winning no matter how often we wash our hands or eat our fruits and veggies.

Last week, my entire family came down with an ugly head cold. Because we’ve adopted a more naturopathic health regimen, we put trust in our immune systems and prepared to ride out the sickness for a few days. Wholesome meals and early bedtimes became our first priority. We also upped our vitamin C intake and quarantined ourselves.

When the virus didn’t budge, I enlisted the help of nutritionist Shelly Maddox, who works at The Vitamin Company on Main Street in downtown Brighton, a home for homeopathic remedies. They offer a wide variety of goods from fresh eggs and milk to organic soaps and supplements.  

Maddox says that preventative medicine goes a long way toward keeping kids healthy during peak sickness season. She recommends that children take a vitamin D supplement and an immune system booster from September through the end of the cold season, if not all year.

A mother of four, she favors Nature’s Plus Animal Parade products. The Vitamin Company carries the full line of Nature’s Plus products, including orange flavored vitamin D3 drops ($7.60) and tropical berry flavored immune system booster chewables ($11.10).

For children who are already sick, Maddox recommends Sambucus products for viral infections ($15.49 for cough syrup and $14.49 for lozenges) and Umcka ($15.49 for cough syrup) for bacteria-related illnesses.

Within a day of my visit to The Vitamin Company, my family was on the mend. And now we’re looking on the bright side: the seasons are definitely changing. And, this time, the change will be a warmer, sunnier, greener one.

The Vitamin Company is located at 421 W. Main St. in downtown Brighton.