#avoid colds

Introduction Why do some people never get sick? Some people seem to walk through cold-and-flu season like they’re wearing invisible armor. Everyone around them is coughing, wiping down keyboards, and living on throat lozenges… and they still don’t get sick. The frustrating part isn’t just the sniffles—it’s the lost productivity, the canceled plans, the missed workouts, and the brain fog that can…

Looking for a way to boost your immune system and avoid colds and COVID this season? Check out this healthy meal rotation! #healthyeating #immunesystem #coldsandCOVID #mealrotation #healthydiet

During cold and flu season, it is more important than ever to eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system and protect yourself from illness. By eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, you can help your body fight off infection and recover more quickly if you do get sick. One of the best ways to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need is to follow a healthy meal…

7 Natural Ways to Boost your Immune System this Winter

It’s cold season! Once the colder weather starts to hit, I start to hear sniffling, sneezing, and coughing all around me. In the past, it always seemed like I was sick on Christmas. The cold weather drives more of us indoors in warm areas, sharing air with others. But new research from Yale University found that lower temperatures inside the nose will weaken the immune system’s ability to fight…

Food that will help you avoid colds

With the drop in temperatures come and colds, but you can beat them with several ingredients from the kitchen.

These few groceries helping the immune system to fight viruses.

Fill the fridge with them and enjoy a healthy winter:

1. Red peppers

They contain twice as much vitamin C than citrus fruits. Consumption of different types of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C naturally strengthen your…

No, it's not the next Philip Glass opera--we're talking about cold and flu season. Both are a particular challenge in schools where students, faculty and staff from all over the area come together in small spaces--leading to the circulation of germs. 

In music schools, like the Cleveland Institute of Music, compact practice rooms, working closely together in enclosed studios, practicing long hours and/or rehearsing and using shared instruments or equipment--can lead to sharing more than sheet music.

So, here are some tips to help you take care of yourself (not just in school but wherever you are) and keep from spreading of all those nasty little "bugs" just looking for a warm body...with low immunity.

Like so many things at CIM, it begins with practice.

Practice good health habits...

Get plenty of quality rest and sleep.

Stay warm and dry whenever possible to keep your immunity strong.

Eat nutritious, vitamin rich foods and drink lots of water.

Wash your hands properly and often using soap and hot water (using a towel or your elbow to turn off the faucet, etc.) or an alcohol-based hand santizer.

Wipe down surfaces (including tables, counters or keyboards) before and after regular contact.

Don't share food, beverages, utensils or personal care products/items.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching potentially contaminated surfaces in common areas such as lunch or practice rooms.

Talk to your doctor about whether a flu shot is appropriate for you.  

If you are sick...

Stay in bed and rest, if at all possible.

Get plenty of water or other fluids.

Avoid close contact with others.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing--use a tissue or your elbow (see helpful, handy CDC illustration).

Dispose of tissues--don't let them and germs linger in pockets or bags.

Disinfect your toothbrush (with hot salt water); replace it when you're well.

For musicians and singers especially...

If you have a fever, you may want to skip practice and get some rest; you won't get much out of feverishly playing (literally).

Ease sore throats by gargling gently with warm salt water, and drink warm water with lemon and honey or honey and steeped fresh ginger.

Think twice before going to a rehearsal sick--you want to reduce the risk of spreading whatever bug you have to your fellow musicians.

Wipe down music stands, instrument cases and handles, and wipe or clean your instrument--this goes double for brass or woodwind players.