hostmelissa
12-27-2008, 04:53 PM
Did you know that it is winter's cold, dry air that creates the perfect environment for germs. The dry air of winter means that germs stay airborne. Add to that our close proximity to each other indoors in the months of the winter and you have the perfect situation for the spread of colds and flus.
So what can we do?
Adding moisture to the air with humidifiers makes the germ droplets in the air too large to float and they fall to the ground - meaning you are less likely to inhale them. Adding moisture to your body through adequate hydration (8 glasses of water/day) will also help. One other tip for hydration: try a neti pot to rinse your sinus passages, keeping them clear of mucus and viruses.
The number one thing we can do is to wash our hands frequently throughout the day. Also avoid touching your hands to your face - especially the eyes, nose and mouth.
Last week on my radio show (http://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com:8080/ctr/melissawest111908.mp3), my guest, Allison Tannis (http://www.allisontannis.com/) pointed out that probiotics can have a powerful and positive effect on the immune system. Since about seventy percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, adding healthy bacteria to the immune system can help to reduce your chance of contracting colds and flu. Have a listen to Allison here.
One other thing to consider during the busy holiday season are your energy reserves. Make sure to get lots of rest to avoid getting run down. This is important when it comes to exercise as well. Moderate exercise helps to support a healthy immune system. Exercising when you are already exhausted it going to make you, well, more exhausted.
Finally, remember all those e-mails about sugar? Well, sugar suppresses the immune system for four hours after consumption. Alcohol and caffeine are two other major immune system suppressants. As your traveling the holiday party circuit opt for fresh fruit and vegetables over sugar-y sweets and party punch.
So what can we do?
Adding moisture to the air with humidifiers makes the germ droplets in the air too large to float and they fall to the ground - meaning you are less likely to inhale them. Adding moisture to your body through adequate hydration (8 glasses of water/day) will also help. One other tip for hydration: try a neti pot to rinse your sinus passages, keeping them clear of mucus and viruses.
The number one thing we can do is to wash our hands frequently throughout the day. Also avoid touching your hands to your face - especially the eyes, nose and mouth.
Last week on my radio show (http://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com:8080/ctr/melissawest111908.mp3), my guest, Allison Tannis (http://www.allisontannis.com/) pointed out that probiotics can have a powerful and positive effect on the immune system. Since about seventy percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, adding healthy bacteria to the immune system can help to reduce your chance of contracting colds and flu. Have a listen to Allison here.
One other thing to consider during the busy holiday season are your energy reserves. Make sure to get lots of rest to avoid getting run down. This is important when it comes to exercise as well. Moderate exercise helps to support a healthy immune system. Exercising when you are already exhausted it going to make you, well, more exhausted.
Finally, remember all those e-mails about sugar? Well, sugar suppresses the immune system for four hours after consumption. Alcohol and caffeine are two other major immune system suppressants. As your traveling the holiday party circuit opt for fresh fruit and vegetables over sugar-y sweets and party punch.