Flu Season and Staying Healthy

It’s that time of year again, the time when you start hearing coughing and sneezing throughout the workplace and a box of tissues is placed conveniently near your computer keyboard.

 The cold and flu season typically runs from November – April. Readily spread when people are indoors, cold and flu viruses are often passed along from person to person and surface to surface in the workplace. According to the CDC, people are most contagious during the first 2-3 days of contracting a cold and almost immediately and for about 5 days thereafter after being infected with the flu – even before symptoms develop. However, there are many actions you can take to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses at work.

1.  Wash Your Hands for at least 15-20 seconds with soap  many times a day  or sanitize with an alcohol-gel hand sanitizer, especially  following contact with  potentially contaminated surfaces

2.  Avoid touching your face, eyes, or rubbing your nose

3.  Wash out your water bottle daily

4.  Clean shared items such as phones, keyboards, handles and door knobs with alcohol wipes or other sanitizer- type wipes

5.  Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or flu

6.  Sneeze and cough into a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hand

7.  Drink plenty of fluids, but do not share drinking cups or straws

8. Get lots of fresh air

9. Exercise regularly and frequently

10.  Eat healthy foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables

Treating a Cold or Flu

1. If you do get sick, stay at home

2.  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or juices – between 9-13 cups per day)

3. De-stress and avoid strenuous activity – physical, emotional, or   mental stress can be      

    major drains on the immune system

4.   Get plenty of rest – most people need seven to nine hours of sleep each night

5.  Drink green tea or ginger tea each stimulate the immune system to fight off infections

6.  Ask your doctor about over the counter drugs which may alleviate symptoms

Giving Thanks

Have you been through something that's made you glad to be alive?  Has someone made a difference in your life? We're all thankful for the usual: our health, our families, the fact that we've seen another year pass. But what are you especially thankful for this year? Taking time to reflect on the things that you are grateful for may be more important that you think.

The mental connection.  Scientists are discovering a bigger connection between our mental and physical health every day. This is likely the biggest factor in preventing illness as well. It includes the messages we send ourselves, and the more negative thoughts we have, the greater chance for those thoughts turning into something that physically attacks the body. A good example of this is when people break out in hives or eczema when under emotional stress. Other connections may not be as obvious, but rest assured, chronic stress, difficult relationships and other challenging situations can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.

You already know the importance of exercise and nutrition. But you may be missing an even more important factor in your health. Here are five ways to lessen your chance of illness during the flu season, and all year round.

Start your day out right.  By starting your morning with a positive act, such as meditating on what you are thankful for, or by creating a grateful list, you'll be sending your body messages it will use to help you stay happy and healthy all day.

Music.  On your way to work, or school, listen to music that makes you feel good. Whether it's soothing, or fun, as long as it makes you smile, you'll be much better prepared to start your busy day. 

Breaks.  Whether you spend your day working with the public, on the computer, or at home, remember to stop and take a break. Use that time for positive thinking to counteract any of the negative stress that you've experienced. Breathe, meditate,  read a book, take a walk and get some fresh air, or just think about your favorite things in life.

Laughter.   Laughter is really the best medicine. It actually reduces stress hormones and even benefits your immune system. Finding the humor in the most difficult of situations is one of the best kept secrets of a happy, and healthy, life.

A hot bath and a good night's sleep.  Relaxing in a hot bath soothes sore muscles and joints, reducing stress and tension which helps you to get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep has a big impact on your immune function and disease resistance. This is the time your body uses to repair itself and your immune system, strive for 7-8 hours a night.

When Thanksgiving rolls around you will be ahead of the game, because you will be in the habit of being thankful everyday for the good things in your life.