Miscelaney

Runny Nose. Stuffy head. Sore throat. Fatigue. Backache. It’s that time of year when there is no denying practically everyone around you is either sick or acting as a silent carrier of the most heinous of germs. For some, this is a mere inconvenience. For others, it means feeling like absolute crap for weeks, even months. Do we have to go through again this year? Probably….BUT there are ways to minimize the nasty effects of flu season.

We all know what we should be doing to stay healthy. Whether or not we actively practice said prevention is a different story. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of what we already know. Following is a collective list of ways to prevent catching a full-on case of this year’s  flu:

1). Wash your hands. It’s so simple, but yet nearly impossible to do enough. We don’t need to go overboard, but if you are someone who constantly rubs your eyes (ahem), or unconsciously rests your chin on you hands, chews your nails, etc,  you are mainlining every single germ you’ve picked up throughout the day. Keep hand sanitizer in your purse, at your desk and in your car.

2). Take your vitamins. In particular, vitamin A, C, D, and Zinc.

3). Eat a healthy diet. Sounds easy enough, right? Apparently this means 7-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, avoiding  sugar and those refined (yet yummy) carbs, and of course, limiting alcohol intake.

4). Get enough rest. For some, this is no problem, for other’s, if only. Doctor’s say 7-9 hours a night is not only beneficial, but necessary.

5). Manage your stress. Chronic stress suppresses your immune system. Regardless what your stress management plan is (relaxation techniques, working out, meditation, shopping, massage, etc) have a plan ready so you can break the stress cycle. Chronic stress also adds to rapid aging…no thanks!

6). Consider a flu shot. Do your research first (shot vs. nasal spray), however many doctors say this is the number one step in flu prevention.  

So nothing that you already didn’t know, right? Sometimes we get so busy, we forget that back-to-back fast food lunches are slowly chipping away at our immune system. Or a dinner party where we have two plus glasses of wine may fast-track us straight to the flu (the nerve). And vitamins. Even if we take a multi, sometimes we need a boost to fight off anything viral which might be knocking on our immune system’s door. And for the love, wash those hands. It’s amazing how many times your hands touch your eyes, lips, and nose without you even knowing it. Go in good health this season.