Cold and Flu Protection Tips

It’s that time of year again – colds and the flu run rampant and you need to do everything you can to avoid getting sick this season. Please read the following tips to help you fend off these nasty viruses and pass it along to your family and friends to minimize the spread.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS for at least 30 seconds with soap and warm water! You should do this anytime you’ve been in a washroom or public place.

2. Don’t touch your face.  This is how germs get from things you touched with your hands into your body.

3. Consider getting a flu shot for your entire family!

4. Don’t share food, drinks, lipstick, lip balm or toothpaste with other people, even family members.

5. Avoid kissing on the lips of you feel yourself getting sick. If you like them enough to kiss them, you should love them enough not to pass on your cold.

6. Clean doorknobs, bathrooms, phones, light switches, computer keyboards, children’s toys and other items that people may frequently touch with disinfecting cleaner often.

7. Yogurt has been shown to stimulate production of immune system substances that fight disease.

8. Let fresh air into your home at least once a week even if it is extremely cold outside. Let the stale, unhealthy air out and fresh air in!

9. Get plenty of sleep.  A healthy target is anywhere between 8 to 10 hours per night.

10. Drink plenty of water.  This will allow your body to flush any toxins out of your system.

11. Avoid using public phones, pens, and other such items that many people may frequently touch.

12. Exercise regularly.

13. Laugh often.  Apparently it increases the production of antibodies that defend the body against infections.

14.  Reduce your Stress levels. Chronic Stress can increase your cortisol levels.  These increased levels negatively impact your immune system

15. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK! No need to spread your germs to others!

If you follow these tips, you will be much less likely to catch something and you will be helping reduce the spread of these illnesses.

Have a Happy and Healthy 2012!