It's hard to tell sometimes what makes your child feel under the weather. Both colds (caused by viruses) and allergies result in runny noses and watery eyes and can give children a case of the sneezes. But there are ways to tell the two conditions apart.

The discharge from allergies is typically clear, while a cold often ends up with thick yellow or green discharge. You rarely get body aches or a fever from an allergy. And a cold is contagious.

Once the diagnosis is made, an allergy can be treated with antihistamines; your child can also be tested to identify the source.

— Washington Post

CHEW ON THIS

STUDENTS CAN LEARN ABOUT VOTING PROCESS, SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The nonprofit School Nutrition Association is capitalizing on election fever by inviting students nationwide to cast their ballot and participate in the Vote for School Lunch 2008 Presidential Edition — and, in the process, learn more about the meals served as part of the National School Lunch Program. Students can learn more about candidates and cast their vote online through National School Lunch Week, Oct. 13-17, at www.voteforschoollunch.org. The winner will be announced on Oct. 24.

— Zenaida Serrano

FINAL WORD

"Fashion should be a frame for the candidates, rather than the focus."

"Project Runway" judge Michael Kors, in TV Guide