Intrinsic Health Source BLOG: Jeannine's Journal: On the NINTH day of wellness my blogger gave to me... "a tip on cold/flu preventing"

On the NINTH day of wellness my blogger gave to me... "a tip on cold/flu preventing"

Today's Tip (Day 9):
"Keeping yourself healthy to avoid getting Rudolph's red nose!"

This is the time of year when people exchange more than just holiday presents! Yes I'm talking about the gift of "cold and flu season". Germs and virus are wrapped up in bows for us to share easily and frequently.

BUT an ounce of prevention can go a long way! Sure, the flu vaccine has been proven to help decrease the chance of getting the flu, but what if you can't or choose not to get the vaccine? And what about those nasty winter colds?

When someone sneezes or coughs into their hands, then later touches the door handle, the phone, keyboard, remote, the stair-rail, etc...if they have the cold or flu germ, they are passing it to you. Germs can last for hours, in some instances for weeks on surfaces. Therefore, making a habit of good old fashion handwashing is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick or spreading illness. Further, if you sneeze or cough, always turn away from the person. In fact, avoid sneezing or coughing into your hands, where germs can be easily passed on. The ideal method is into a tissue that can be easily disguarded. However, if you do use your hands immediatley wash them.

Handwashing tips

Wet hands and apply soap (liquid, bar, or powder). AND it doesn't have to be antibacterial!

Create a lather by rubbing hands together for 20 seconds OR singing "Happy Birthday" two times to ensure you have removed ALL stubborn germs.

Rinse hands well under running water.

Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.

When using a public bathroom, if possible use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the bathroom door.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based wipe or hand gel.

Five Natural Fighting Strategies To Build your Immune System:

Eat Foods Containing Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are natural components of plant foods having complementary mechanisms of action in the body, including antioxidant effects, stimulation of the immune system, antibacterial and antiviral effect. So get your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. Also, Review Day 2's Tip on Healthy Eating

Rest and Relax
According to WebMD's 12 Natural Tips To Prevent A Cold "If you can teach yourself to relax, you can activate your immune system on demand." There's evidence that when you put your relaxation skills into action, your interleukins -- leaders in the immune system that response against cold and flu viruses -- increase in the bloodstream. " Take time to review Day 4's Tip on de-stressing.

Drink Plenty of Fluids:
Water flushes out your system and removes your body of toxins. Review Day 5's Tip on Drinking!

Exercise Regularly:
Cardiovascular exercise helps increase your body's natural virus-killing mechanism. Review Day 8's Tip on Exercising

Get Fresh Air:
During the winter, especially in the areas where it's cold, people spend many hours indoors with the window closed. Today's buildings are equiped with central heating units which recirculates the air. Therefore. you are not only more vulnerable to germs, but the heat dries you out making you more vulnerable to those cold and flu germs. So go outside a take in some fresh air!

Wellness Tip: Besides washing your hands, your best method of prevention is a strong immune system!

Look at how you can implement the above five strategies:

Go outside to get your cardiovasular system pumping by taking a walk and breathe in the fresh air.

Bring a waterbottle to hydrate yourself.

When you get home sit down to a nice bowl of hot vegetable soup.

FINALLY relax in a warm bath!

Now, How easy was that!

Posted by Jeannine Capria at Sunday, December 20. 2009