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Are you tired of being scared of the flu?
Are you asking yourself what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy?
Do you know what to watch for if you or your child gets sick?
Here are a few tips to help improve your odds of staying healthy:
- Eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose foods rich in Vitamin A, C, E and the B complex. Good choices include leafy greens, like collards, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, and whole grain cereals and pasta.
- Remember, taking vitamin pills cannot take the place of fresh foods.
- Avoid sugar in all its forms. Eating sugar suppresses immunity. Check product labels and avoid fructose and high fructose corn syrup. These are found in almost all prepared foods! Substitute water for soda, one of our most sugary products. A good habit and saves calories too!
- Coffee is also a culprit for decreasing immunity. Try green, red or other herb teas.
- If you're a smoker, QUIT! Your immune system will begin to repair itself within 3 months.
- Get enough rest. Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy body. If you can't get 7-8 hours, try to take 15-20 minute naps when you can.
- Manage your stress. Don't worry too much about getting sick; this will only make matters worse. Take time to relax, try a hot bath or listening to music.
- Get enough exercise. Take walks and climb the stairs when you can.
And if you do get sick.........
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially orange juice with pulp, other 100% fruit juices and ginger ale. Avoid juice drinks; they contain a lot of sugar.
- Ice chips and gelatin, like Jello, can help you get enough fluid into your body.
- Chicken soup, especially with plenty of garlic and onions, is a great source of liquid and nutrition. This remedy has been used for centuries by many cultures.
- Avoid dairy foods like milk and cheese. Try the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce and dry Toast.
- Get PLENTY OF SLEEP!
- Stay home - don't spread your germs!
Know what to look for if someone in your family is not feeling well:
Since young children are not able to explain how they are feeling, it is particularly important to watch them closely. If any person, but especially young children and others in high risk groups (i.e. asthma sufferers or individuals with other respiratory illnesses), exhibit any of the following serious warning signs, seek immediate emergency medical care:
- Trouble breathing, including rapid breathing
- Blue or grey skin
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Signs of dehydration like not urinating or no tears when crying
- Sleeping all the time and not interacting when awake
- Being very irritable
Always call your primary care provider first.
Avoid the emergency room unless it is a true emergency!
Be prepared so you can stay calm and cool
this flu season! |
