Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Posted by on Nov 24, 2009 in H1N1 | 0 comments

Living with good health and vitality this cold and flu season will take a conscious daily commitment.  We are now dealing with the “common flu” and the H1N1 Swine flu.  Our ability to stay well and avoid the various flu pathogens and deal with the stress of the holiday season depends on a strong, vibrant immune system.

There are some common sense, simple things we can do to be sure our immune system is functioning at its peak:

  • Get plenty of rest: 7 – 8 hours for adults, 9 hours or more for school age children.
  • Wash your hands frequently: soap and warm water for 30 – 60 seconds; or hand sanitizers if washing is not possible.
  • Wash your countertops, desk tops, bathroom wash areas, door knobs, phones, remotes, etc. with an effective germicidal product.  We use Shaklee Corporation’s Basic-G – its been tested and shown to be effective in neutralizing influenza type A viruses and many other microorganisms.
  • Eat a healthy diet: commit to eating FIVE servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day for their antioxidant and immune supporting nutrients.
  • Take a vitamin supplement: because we don’t eat as good as we should, take at least a quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.  Be sure it has at least 800 iu of vitamin D which is essential for a healthy immune system.  I give our family Shaklee’s Vita-Lea Multivitamin & Mineral tablets – it contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals at clinically proven levels for optimal health, including 800 iu of vitamin D.
  • Control stress: we are fast approaching the holiday season with all of its extra activities, partying and deadlines.  The stress can drain our immune system and “welcome in” Mr. cold or Mrs. Flu.

The EPA issued a statement that it believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009 – H1N1 flu strain.

These are some suggestions for living a life full of vitality during the holiday season and every day.  What additional suggestions do you have?