Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cold and Flu Season
Perspectives on Healthy Living
by Coralie Darsey-Malloy
With growing concern over swine flu, many people are looking for natural, effective flu prevention and treatment. In my own healing journey and from working with clients in my life-coaching practice, I have found a variety of ways to prevent and treat flu and colds naturally.
My mentor, Dr. George Kroeker, told me that it is important to keep the body in balance and when illness occurs, to create ways to support the system so it can heal itself.
Widespread outbreaks of influenza usually occur from October to March. Both colds and flus are picked up by direct contact or by touching objects previously handled by an infected person. Viruses can be a concern but the majority of people who come down with them recover within a week or two. The doctor I see says that although many believe in the efficacy of vaccines, they do not guarantee protection against the flu and sometimes cause more harm than good. This may be especially true this fall as rushed production allows less time for safety testing.
When clients call asking for suggestions to treat colds and flu, I suggest caution when using painkillers normally used for headaches. Many of the pills and hot lemon drinks contain the same active ingredients and can overload the system.
It is advisable to consult a health practitioner before self-prescribing over-the-counter remedies.
Given that there are no known cures for colds and viruses, my first recommendation is to minimize exposure and strengthen your immunity as the best way to stay healthy. Here are some of my “perspectives” on healthy living and flu prevention:
The Basics
o Get enough sleep. The immune system functions much better with seven to nine hours sleep for optimal health. When the body is fatigued, it is less able to ward off viruses and infections. o Exercise moderately on a regular basis. o Avoid sugar. Even small amounts of sugar can impair immune function, leaving you more susceptible to the flu. o During cold weather, indoor heating systems dry out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. It is important to keep them well hydrated by drinking more water. Using indoor water fountains or other methods to improve humidity, especially in the bedrooms, makes sense. o Germs and viruses enter through the eyes, nose, mouth and, possibly, ears; so it is important to keep your distance from those who are infected and wash your hands frequently. It’s also advisable to carry a hand sanitizer and use it after shaking hands or touching handles, payphones and doorknobs. A naturopath told me that coating the inside of the nostrils with sesame oil can help to prevent germs from entering the body. o If you are sick, stay home to recover and to prevent spread to others. Muffle coughs and sneezes with the crook of the elbow rather than using bare hands or tissues. When tissues are used, dispose of them immediately and thoroughly sanitize the hands. o Relax and maintain a positive attitude. Too much stress has a negative impact on health and mental well-being. Meditation and creative visualization can be explored for their calming effects. o Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol depletes B vitamins, impairs liver function and creates greater susceptibility to infections. You might want to add a B-vitamin supplement to your regime. o Avoid smoking, including second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke dries out the nasal passages and paralyzes the small hairs in the nose and lungs that help ward off viruses. o Take regular saunas as many Europeans do. The air in saunas is too hot for viruses to survive; thus steam and infrared saunas cleanse the system and provide immune boosting effects. However, people with heart conditions should consult their health care practitioner before using any form of intense heat therapy.
