Even in the modern world of multitasking it isn’t very often that we get to do two things at once effectively. Since the way we get colds and flu is so similar we can fight them off two a time using the following techniques:
Of course we should never take viral infections lightly and the flu can be just plain dangerous. Some preventive medicine needs to keep us on our toes and a little bit of humor doesn’t hurt anyone’s overall health either.
Snooze Your Way to Success
Being deprived of the amount of sleep that you need can lead to just about any disease that you can name. The number of antibodies and other cells in your body that are designed to ward off disease replenish while you’re sleeping. On average an adult need six to eight hours of sleep. Babies may need as many as 18 hours of sleep. Toddlers need about 12 hours of sleep. And although they may object, preschoolers still may need a good 10 hours of sleep per day. Scientists have yet to explain why your children may not want to take a nap. If you can’t get them to nap put then to bed a little earlier.
You Gotta Move
You gotta move, not only when your favorite dance tune is on or when someone gives you a swat and you feel like retaliating. To stay healthy you need to exercise. Hike, walk, bike, yoga or dance, but don’t just sit there if you want to stay healthy.
This Disease Gives Me Just What I Need … An Excuse to Drink
By drinking we mean staying hydrated and staying away from too much alcohol and too much caffeine. That’ll only make things worse. Cold and flu symptoms can be improved or vanquished by drinking eight to 10 cups of water a day of the 8 ounce variety. Your immune system will thank you as it goes to work on your behalf.
Have another Hit of Fresh Air
It’s a fact of modern life that our indoor atmosphere sometimes ends up being much more unhealthy for us than the one outside, especially in winter. Chase potential toxins outdoors by opening a window once in awhile.
Don’t Get Stuffy
Of course you don’t want to get stuffy or a cold or the flu. You’ll get fewer colds and less flu if you keep your house a little bit cooler. Hot dry air is just what the viruses have ordered. A cooler, moister indoors is just what the doctor’s ordered.
It’s the Germs Dude!
Our battle is against an unseen enemy. We can fight this enemy by washing our hands many times a day. Meal-time and bathroom time are especially important times for washing one’s hands…fore and aft, top and bottom. If Kitty or Fido licks your hand they won’t be offended if you wash your hands shortly thereafter.
Mobile weaponry can include nontoxic wipes and hand sanitizers.
Strategy
Practice strategic sneezing. By that we mean sneeze into your arm or a tissue if one is handy. Stifling a sneeze with your hands plays in the “hands” of the enemy.