December 2006 is Here!

December not only brings holiday cheer, but can also bring cold germs!  To counteract the diseases that are floating around, there are many things to do to prevent those awful germs from attacking you.

1. Have a Flu Shot.  There are flu vaccines and a nasal spray version.  The best time to get inoculated is in October or November.  However, if you have not gotten one yet, do so.
2. Use your own pen.  Don’t use the communal pen that is offered to you.  Stock up on pens by the box load.  Using your own pen helps you avoid getting the germ that is being passed from person to person.
3. Keep sanitizer on ‘hand’.  The Children’s Hospital in Boston studied 292 families for 5 months and found that those using hand sanitizer had 59% fewer cases of stomach bugs than nonusers.  Keep a bottle stashed in purse, car, briefcase and book bags. 
4. Resolve Stress!  Did you know that unresolved stress can make you sick by suppressing immunity, raising blood pressure and increasing your risk of heart disease?  Expressing yourself through either constructive arguing or situational challenges can boost your immunity and keep infections at bay.
5. Take your vitamins!  Make sure you take your multi-vitamin daily.  No need to buy a specific type or concentrated brand.  A good multi-vitamin can cover 100% of the recommended daily values.
6. Washing your hands.  Washing your hands a minimum of five times daily can decrease your risk of respiratory illness.  This is in addition to using hand sanitizer.  Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is an easy and effective way to stay healthy.
7. Get your Zzzz’s.  Getting enough sleep is the most important thing to do!  The University of Chicago research group found that sleeping only 4 hours daily for a week produced only half the amount of antibodies needed to fight the flu.  They found it’s best to sleep at least 7 ½  to 8 ½ hours per night.
8. Stay Informed.  Keep up with local/national news about outbreaks in your area.  If an outbreak hits, rent movies instead of trying to go to the theatre.  Spend less time ‘hanging out’ with the public.  For information about the flu heading your way, visit www.flustar.com and enter your zip code.