Ways to stay healthy this flu season 
As flu season is already upon us, this seems the logical begin. I will not address the issue of flu shots because I feel it is outside my scope of practice, and a decision that each person should discuss with their doctor and make for themselves. But I will give you practical tools to help boost your immune system and get you through the winter months healthier.

Yes, there are scientific reasons that people get sick more often in the winter. In an article written by the Health Sciences Institute in Baltimore, they report that viruses thrive in a temperature of about 41 degrees and their duration time is longer. So, cold weather alone provides an optimal breeding ground for many viruses.  Add lifestyle changes, shortened days and holiday or comfort foods and a stage can easily be set for illness.

If you do only one thing to boost your immune system - eliminate sugar. You will see noticeable results in your energy levels, sleep patterns, immunity and your ability to think clearly when you break the cravings and stop eating refined sugar. Many holistic nutritionists consider sugar a drug due to its impact on the human body.  Healthier sweeteners such as agave, stevia and brown rice syrup exist and are a tasty and healthy alternative. Still not sure? Consider the following…

"… A 100g portion of sugar can significantly reduce the capacity of white blood cells to engulf bacteria. Maximum immune suppression occurs one to two hours after 

Yes, there are scientific reasons that people get sick more often in the winter. In an article written by the Health Sciences Institute in Baltimore, they report that viruses thrive in a temperature of about 41 degrees and their duration time is longer. So, cold weather alone provides an optimal breeding ground for many viruses.  Add lifestyle changes, shortened days and holiday or comfort foods and a stage can easily be set for illness.

If you do only one thing to boost your immune system - eliminate sugar. You will see noticeable results in your energy levels, sleep patterns, immunity and your ability to think clearly when you break the cravings and stop eating refined sugar. Many holistic nutritionists consider sugar a drug due to its impact on the human body.  Healthier sweeteners such as agave, stevia and brown rice syrup exist and are a tasty and healthy alternative. Still not sure? Consider the following…

"… A 100g portion of sugar can significantly reduce the capacity of white blood cells to engulf bacteria. Maximum immune suppression occurs one to two hours after ingestion and remains suppressed for up to five hours after feeding." www.chronicprostatitis.com/sugar.html”

In other words, drinking a Coke can partially knock out your immune system for up to 5 hours.

Remember the importance of a time out. Make sure you continue to make time for yourself.  Especially as we move into the holiday season. It’s so easy to put every else’s needs before our own. There is no faster way to run ourselves down than to put the world first, while neglecting ourselves!

Our bodies respond to our emotions.  Exhaustion, sleep deprivation and stress all weaken our immune system. Pay attention to warning signs so you can keep them from getting worse.  Make an appointment to do something nice for yourself  – and keep it! Take a walk at the park, get a massage, meet a friend for tea, or attend a yoga class. Do whatever works for you – but make every effort to ensure your emotional needs are met.

Get a full night's sleep. You may require anywhere from 6 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Whatever your personal sleep requirement is, get it! Restful sleep is needed to balance hormones, boost the immune system, recover from injury, clear the mind, and improve overall mood.

Drink your water -  No lecture, just a reminder. Water helps the immune system function! 

Spend time outdoors. Most of us spend far more time indoors during the winter months.  his can leave us breathing dubiously filtered air and other people’s germs. In addition, if you have gas heat, humidity is pulled out of the air. In an issue of the journal of Plops Pathogens, Dr. Pales explains when there is less humidity germs exhaled are lighter and float instead of falling, adding to the ease of transmission.

Eat protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets low in protein tend to be high in carbs which convert readily to glucose which spikes blood sugar and stresses the immune system.

  Decrease coffee/caffeine consumption. Caffeine robs your body of minerals and vitamins, and it dehydrates you. If you drink coffee, make sure you add an additional two glasses to your water intake per cup of coffee.

Stock up on fruits and vegetables. The nutritional content that you receive from both is unparalleled. These foods are packed with antioxidants that protect cells of your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment. So stock your soups with lots of vegetables and kick up your salad consumption!

Does this really need to be said? Don't Smoke - Statistics show that heavy smokers get more frequent and more severe colds and viruses. Even being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune system. Experts contend that one cigarette can part of your primary defense against colds and flu for as long as 30 to 40 minutes.

Cut Alcohol Consumption - Heavy alcohol use suppresses the immune system in a variety of ways. Heavier drinkers are more prone to initial infections as well as secondary complications.

We all know the importance of washing our hands often, sneezing into our elbows, not our hands and using hand sanitizer, but I’d be lax if I didn’t mention it here…

Finally, the most important thing you can do for yourself and others, if you DO get sick, is to stay home and take good care of yourself.

  The Art of Care Giving

6th Annual Conference

Nov 17, 8:30-3:00

I am honored to have been invited to speak at Springmoore Lifecare Retirement Community’s annual conference for care givers of loved ones with Alzheimers. The topic will be “The Power Of Touch” and I look forward to sharing information with you after the conference