We can become what we want to be, by being what we want to become.  Richard G. Scott

Time of the Season for Better Health

It’s that time of the season with the weather changing and too many people around us with colds and flu.  Be proactive and do what you can to stay healthy and prevent illness.

It is to all our benefit to begin today if we have not already started, to live a healthier lifestyle. 

1.  Eat less. In our society, it is too easy to overeat.  There are many options to choose from as we visit the grocery store.  If we buy healthier foods, we can also reap the added benefit of lowering our food bill.  Snacks, sweets, and foods high in fat generally are more expensive and too often have empty calories.

2. Get more exercise.  This time of year the weather is fantastic for walking and enjoying the outdoors.  You will not only burn calories while walking, but you can stretch your muscles and make your heart more efficient. As you incorporate a walking regimen into your life, notice how much better you feel, your increased level of energy and your lessened demand for sleep.  The increased oxygen supply to your body will benefit you in many ways.

3.  Wash your hands.  Health care professionals are diligent about this.  If you’re really serious, professional say to wash for one minute! Clean hands can prevent or inhibit the spread of all kinds of germs including colds and flu. It is important to teach your children this good habit too.  It can be easy to get in the habit for adults and children to immediately wash their hands when them come into your home from public places.

4.  Weather permitting, open windows and doors to allow outdoor air to come into your home and dilute spores in the air. You will also enjoy the added benefit of the wonderful, fresh smell in your home.

5.  Clean counters and other surfaces such as light switches, door handles, toilet flush handles, etc.  These areas can collect more germs and may be areas we don’t normally think to clean.  Use a germ-killing solution and get in the routine of cleaning your kitchen counters several times a day.  Counters can harbor a variety of germs and viruses.  It is an easy way to promote good health.

6.  Start early.  When you feel a cold or flu coming on, depending on your personal situation, start drinking more liquids including orange juice for Vitamin C. Perhaps zinc lozenges help relieve your symptoms.  It is just when we don’t feel like taking in more fluids, that is the time we may need them the most to avoid dehydration.  Increase your hours of rest and/or take an afternoon nap.  Give your body a chance to fight off the germs.

7.  Use common sense. Postpone the visit to your friend’s family home if they are all sick with colds or flu or have just recently started feeling well.  There will be plenty of time in the near future and you and your family may have a chance to skip the illness.

8.  If your health allows, get a flu shot and also a pneumonia shot if you are prone to these type illnesses.  They are generally more available and a lot more convenient today than they were years ago. 

It is a great investment to take care of your health.  If you are a mother with children at home; it is especially important that you have good health and are available to take care of your children.  Also, once an illness starts in a family, it may be like dominoes and everyone takes turns getting sick.  It is a lot better just to take a few precautions and avoid the whole sick scene!

Follow these guidelines and hopefully you and your family will forego being ill this year. Best wishes for a happy and healthy Autumn and Winter.

Betty Gustin 

Submit Article/Tip
Top of Page