Savvy Ways to Skip Colds and Flu This Year
By Sandy Schroeder
No, it is not mandatory that you, or someone in your family, catch a winter cold or flu, but it is fairly likely that you will if you do not protect yourselves. Knowing what to do and actually doing it could keep you out of that 20 percent group that will get the flu this year. Try these steps:
Consider a flu shot – “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of six months receive the flu shot every year,” according to Newsmax.com. If you are in doubt, check with your doctor.
Avoid germs – Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, and use wipes at work on doorknobs, keyboards and phones.
Limit alcohol – Hold the brews and cocktails down. Too much alcohol inhibits the immune system and dehydrates the body.
Keep exercise germ-free – If you are going to the gym, wipe down handles and use clean towels on weights and seats. At the height of the flu season consider walks or run outdoors instead.
Fight viruses with sleep – Get the recommended 7 to 9 hours to keep your immune system active, stamping out viruses.
Protein to the rescue – Nutritionists suggest eating protein to support the immune system. Eat regular meals with fish, eggs, yogurt, chicken, and tuna.
Greek yogurt helps – Use Greek yogurt with its live cultures to stay healthy. Do one serving a day at meals or for snacks to protect your immune system.
Pause to meditate - One study found people who meditated regularly took 76 percent less sick days than others. Pause daily to meditate whenever stress hits. Getting rid of the stress helps fight infection.
Enjoy hot tea – Some doctors endorse hot tea with lemon and honey to fight colds and viruses. The combination of the tea and the warm steam works well against germs.
Steam on through – If a cold is settling in, use hot steam from your morning kettle and take hot showers to loosen mucus.
Dark chocolate works – A surprising resource, a small square of dark chocolate can soothe a dry cough as well as most cough medicines. Use chocolate with 75 percent cacao.
As the cold and flu season rumbles forward keep your body strong and exposure down to beat the viruses. Carry wipes with you. Avoid huge crowds whenever you can; shop and work at off-hours when you can. Finally, enjoy your favorite books, hobbies and music to stay upbeat and stress-free.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in McKinney, Tex.