Monday, December 5, 2011
Colds and Flu : Prevention and Coping
2:42 PM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By Mary Oleksowicz, L. Ac MSTOM
Many of us are dreading the impending cold and flu season. As we become more conscious of those around us who are sick , what are some steps we can take to prevent the seemingly inevitable winter illness?
1.WASH YOUR HANDS for at least 20 seconds with soap and water! This is probably the number one thing you can do to prevent illness. Singing the Alphabet song is a wonderful way to time yourself. Be sure your children are washing their hands often.
2. Don't touch your face. Even if germs are on your hands, they can't enter the body unless you touch a mucus membrane such as your eyes, nose or mouth. Teach your children the same. If they must rub their eyes or noses , teach them to use their wrist instead.
3.Open your windows ! Letting fresh air into your home at least once a week even if it is extremely cold outside. Studies have shown that the air inside your home is 2 to 5 times worse than the air outside. Allowing fresh air in will help to get stale, germ-filled and dust filled air out !
4. Eat immunity boosting foods ! Foods rich in Vitamin C such as fresh fruits and veggies as well as pro-biotic yogurt can help reduce the likelihood of infection. Avoid store-bought orange juice which has high amounts of processed sugar.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Studies have shown that reduced sleep lowers immunity and increases the likelihood of illness.
6. Stay away from others if you are sick . This may mean a day or two home from work or school but your colleagues will thank you.
7. Reconsider the use of cold and flu products with anti-histamines. While designed to eliminate common cold symptoms such as runny nose , anti-histamines actually suppress the immune system . While they may provide short-term relief of symptoms, your cold of flu may be prolonged by use of them .
8. Be sure to use disposable plates, cups when family members are sick to prevent cross and re-infection.
9 . Be sure to dispose of or sanitize toothbrushes and baby bottle nipples ( or those to sippy cups) . These places are havens for germs and can allow for re-infection.
10. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to allow your body to work properly both before and during illness.
I wish you a healthy holiday season.
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2 comments:
Yeah, You have to take some care like these when you being a victim of cold or flu. You have to take good rest. You should do wash your hands before taking breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In winter the cases of cold and flu been increases naturally. So in the season you should take care with it. Prevention is necessary against these kind common issues.
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