Everybody can do something to keep you and your family healthy. The time is ripe for hand-washing being a priority, it helps stop the transmission of germs. No doubt the cold & flu season is here! Vaccinations are important, especially for the high risk group. One of the best times to get the vaccine is mid-October to mid-November.



Cold viruses are present year-round but the the incidence of colds rise sharply in early fall, shortly after school begins. There are over 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold, one of which is the Rhinovirus, which means "nose viruses". Flu or influenza is caused by viruses, which infect the nose, throat and lungs. Spray the surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen with a mild solution of 2 to 5 percent bleach in water to kill viruses and bacteria. Cold viruses can be transmitted in one of two ways: by touching respiratory secretions on a person's skin (when shaking hands, for example) or on environmental surfaces (like doorknobs or handrails) and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth, or by inhaling infectious particles in the air (like respiratory secretions from a cough or sneeze)."Coughing is the body's natural way of getting rid of offending viruses", because germs and viruses cling to your bare hands, muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands results in passing along your germs to others. A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather when central heating dries you out and makes your body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses.

Your immune system is the key to recovery when fighting infections & illnesses. Staying healthy begins with taking care of the inside, balancing and strengthening and perhaps purifying one's energies. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off infection and clean hands are a powerful tool toward healthy bodies. On the other hand, without proper care or attention, a flu virus can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, each of which can cause permanent health damage.

Pregnant women who have a high-risk condition should be immunized regardless of the stage of pregnancy; pregnant women are also part of the high risk group and should ceck into being vaccinated. The single most important thing you can do to strengthen your immune system is to eat a healthy,balanced vegetarian diet, according to some studies. Optimum health is a philosophy; a way of life; a lifestyle. It means that your community is committed to health promotion and disease prevention.

Boost your immune system and stay healthy: get plenty of rest eat a well-balanced diet exercise regularly decrease stress cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smoking and over consuming alcohol. The immune system has been shown to benefit from moderate activity. To get the immune power from garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife before adding them to your food. This releases the garlic juice, which has great immune properties. Vitamin C is always a plus when it comes to your immune system. Lack of sleep however can lower the immune system's ability to react when needed. The evening hours when you are asleep,the immune system goes to work to repair & revitalize the body. A balanced diet, with the right mix of vitamins and minerals, also keeps your immune system strong and resistant to flu and colds. Another popular herb is Echinacea, a dietary herbal supplement that some people use to treat their colds. Oregano extract — which comes in oil or in capsule forms — can also help boost the body's natural immune system and support respiratory health.

The bad news is, you may find it impossible to completely avoid a cold or the flu. The good news is you can help yourself try to avoid getting the seasonal sickness and treat yourself if you do succumb -- up to a point: See a doctor if you get sick and don't get better in a few days after healthy doses of water, chicken soup, sleep, soap operas and endlessly repeated "news. There is more good news from your doctor: Flu shots are always an option for the healthy minded individual.