Prepare for Winter: 10 Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention

washing-handsCoughs, runny noses, fevers, sore throats, chills… the symptoms can go on and on. A cold or the flu can seriously affect your day-to-day life. Statistics show that as many as 20% of Americans will come down with the flu, and more will catch the common cold. So, what to do? How to prepare? We have developed a nifty handout with advice for cold and flu prevention, plus recommendations for what to do if you should get sick anyway.

But the best place to start is here.

10 Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention

1. SCRUB! Wash your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds – and wash them often. If you can’t wash, then use a hand sanitizer. Use disinfectant wipes to clean phone mouthpieces, doorknobs, computer keyboards, and other hands-on surfaces.

2. COVER! Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands, where germs will be spread on everything you touch. Instead, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow.

3. EAT RIGHT. Cut down on sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. If you do get infected with a cold or flu, you’ll be in better condition to help fend it off or shorten its stay. Continue reading “Prepare for Winter: 10 Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention”

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5 Tips to Prepare for Cold Season

cold+catWe are in the thick of it here. Coughing, runny noses and plenty of sneezing. The common cold took us by surprise, especially with the warm weather we have been having. So now we are all taking it a little easy, drinking plenty of fluids, and loading up on fruits and veggies. Here are five other tips to help you prepare for cold season.

1. Vitamin D – Immune support is just one of the many benefits of vitamin D. Research has shown that if your vitamin D levels are low, your immune system suffers. Start with 1000 mg per day and talk to your healthcare practitioner about getting your levels tested. You may need to take a lot more.

2. Sleep – Sleep may be the best treatment and prevention for colds and flu. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system – leading us to have a less than optimal fever response (fever is actually the body’s way of fighting infection), and less antibodies produced on exposure to these viruses. The result? Stronger symptoms and a longer duration of symptoms, compared to individuals who are getting adequate sleep. Continue reading “5 Tips to Prepare for Cold Season”

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Sunday Radio Show: Digestion & Children’s Health

Join us this Sunday as host Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Christophe Merville, D. Pharm., discuss digestion and children’s heath, as well as Oscillo and other remedies for kids’ coughs and colds.

Christophe Merville has been the Director of Education and Pharmacy Development for Boiron – the world’s leading manufacturer of homeopathic medicines – since 1990. Dr. Merville has created training programs, both online and in print, for pharmacists and retailers on homeopathy and medicines available to treat common health conditions.

Tune in this Sunday from 10-11am on 1500 AM (WFED) or listen live on the web. Our shows are streamed everywhere.

Last week’s show was on raw supplementation and the importance of probiotic strain diversity. Click to listen.

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Support Your Immune System: Vitamin C

Probably one of the most commonly used supplements, vitamin C speeds tissue growth and repair, supports hormone production, increases immune system functioning, and protects the body from toxins. It also regulates cholesterol, blood pressure and blood clotting. And vitamin C increases iron absorption and is an important part of our bone make-up.

Although vitamin C deficiency is rare nowadays, thanks to readily available citrus fruits, it can still occur. Signs that you may need to up your intake of this vitamin include bleeding gums, eczema, poor wound healing, weakness; increased colds and flus, as well as easy bruising. Also, you may need to supplement if you use oral contraceptives, antidepressants, analgesics, anticoagulants, steroids or alcohol.

Taking 500mg per day may be a good way to provide your body additional immune support during the cold and flu season. For a more therapeutic dosages, consult with a health care practitioner.

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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