- Household
Tips (Main Page)
Shopping
Tips
Crafts
Special:
•COOL
House Plans
•
ehouseplans.com
|
 |
Tips for Getting Through Flu Season without a Flu Shot
By Debbie Blunt - Nov 4, 2004, 13:25
Send
to a friend | printable version
Yes, it's that time of year, usually starting at Halloween and ending around Valentine's Day, known as flu season. The Flu, or influenza, can be a serious problem - 35,000 Americans die each year from the flu (mostly elderly patients).
Shortage of flu vaccine has been in the news. The Center for Disease Control has limited the supply to high-risk individuals, including the very young, elderly and those with serious medical conditions.
However there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Reduce your Risk of Getting Sick!
* Practice good personal hygiene; wash your hands - and your kids' hands!- regularly with soap and water. You can even keep some hand sanitizer in your purse so you can wash on the go!
* Keep hands away from nose and mouth. This can be difficult, especially for kids, so it's important to keep their hands clean.
* If you have younger children, keep they're toys clean. They drool, cough and sneeze all over them. In fact my doctor told me that's probably the biggest way germs are spead among children. Make a dilute solution of soap and water or a safe cleaning product and wipe down those toys!
* Cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue or into your upper arm. We're always taught to cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze, but if you cough into your upper arm you're less likely to spread germs with your hands!
* Avoid crowded locations like malls and busy restaurants during flu outbreaks. Do your holiday shopping via catalog or online - call your local direct sales consultants!
Build Up Your Immune System
Your best defense against the flu, colds or any disease is a healthy immune system. The human body is well built and well armed with an incredible immune defense system to keep away substances that don't belong in the body.
Unfortunately, inadequate nutrition, stress, lack of rest, and aging weaken the immune defense process. In fact, immunity is considered one of the major health concerns in the US today.
Here are some things you can do to boost your immune system:
* Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat healthfully. This can be especially difficult with our hectic lives, but it is so important. You don't have time for breakfast, grab a quick meal shake or bar; or how about an orange - something nutritious. Make sure the kids eat too! When I'm in a hurry I make them "chocolate milk" - a great nutritious meal shake. They think it's a treat, and I know they're getting good nutrition.
* Avoid stress and over exertion during flu season -- these are the number one immunity weakening factors that leave you vulnerable. Laugh a lot and force yourself if necessary to keep a joyful, cheerful attitude. One hilarious outburst of laughter has an immune system enhancing effect that can last for 24 hours. Even the simple act of smiling causes an actual release of immune boosting endorphins into your blood stream.
* If you need to forgive, do so immediately. Bitterness is a constant drain on your immunity.
* Use supplements to give your body the nutrients it needs to keep the immune system healthy. If you think you can't afford it, ask yourself if you can afford the cost of you or your children getting the flu and being sick in bed for several days!
So, slow down, take care of yourself and
Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
...................................
Debbie Blunt is happily married to her husband Kelly and mother to two beautiful daughters Sierra (3) and Savannah (15 mos). She is also your personal Independent Shaklee Distributor. "I love helping families take control of their health - personal, environmental and financial. I would love to help yours!" To request a copy of her newsletter with specific immune building supplements for adults and children and to find out how to receive $100 in free products, email her at debbie@livingwell21.com . You may also visit her website http://www.livingwell21.com for health information and products.
|
|
|
