#avoid the flu

You know that one of the most important things you can do to avoid catching a cold or the flu is to wash your hands frequently. The problem is, most people concentrate on washing their palms – when it’s the fingertips that really matter. Dr. Neil Schachter is a respiratory specialist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. And he says our fingertips are more likely to come into contact with germy surfaces – and we’re most likely to stick a fingertip in our mouth, nose or eyes, the main entry points for germs. So when you wash your hands, make sure you focus on those fingertips!

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& I’m sick...

Annually, without fail, the change of the seasons hits me like a brick wall full of the flu. This year thankfully it is not the stomach bug- just the runny nose, achy, sore throat, coughing, fever, zero energy kind of sickness. 

YAY... 

I am honestly thankful I have avoided it for so long (also incredibly thankful it has hit me after a major exam and three days before another). All of my roommates were sick with some kind of the flu before mid-term break, it was like a cesspool of germs in this house...seriously. When I finally made it back to the west coast my mom was hit with sickness a few days before I left. Her parting words were “Drive safe, text me when you stop for gas, and I hope you don’t get sick” Classic Mom. 

Around 3pm today, I finally dragged myself out of my bed for a grapefruit & a shower. Touching base with mom in regular fashion she immediately suggest hot water, lemon, and honey. 

Although I did forget to pick up oranges on my last shopping adventure, I did grab a fresh lemon. Score! 

I am now three large, boiling water cups deep into the concoction and it is honestly the best. It’s easing the throat pain & helping me finally be somewhat productive with my day. Highly recommended!!! 

Here are some tips to help all of you lucky people who aren’t already sick avoid flu season: 

1. Wash your hands frequently-especially after sneezing/coughing & before you eat. 

2. Sharing is caring, yes, but not in flu season. Avoid it. 

3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. 

4. Get enough sleep to avoid being  “run down” - I am convinced a weekend of work, friends, studying and the stress of a major exam is what brought this flu on

5. Reduce your stress- maybe attend a yoga class, always helps me

6. Eat right & exercise regularly 

7. Avoid those who you know are ill

and my favorite...

8. If you are sick stay home from work or school 

Want to avoid getting the flu?  Here is a list of ways to make your body stronger and more able to fight off the flu.

- Wash your hands.

- Sleep at least 7 hours per night (not in a week).

-Excercise in moderation is always a good goal to stay healthy.

-Zinc should be a part of your diet.

-Garlic is a great choice to help stay healthy

-Water is great for you.  Drink lots of it!

-Forget the Alcohol.  It will not help you at all if you are prone to getting sick.

-Laughter is great for your immune system.

-Massages improve overall health and immune system.