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Avoid the cold & flu

Kylie

As a doctor’s kid, and a receptionist at a urgent care clinic, I think a LOT about how to keep my little family healthy. I wouldn’t say I’m paranoid …but definitely aware and cautious.

Here are my suggestions for how to avoid the cold/flu:

1. Make it a habit to wash your hands as soon as you get home.
Literally, as soon as you walk in the door. Kids too. I would like to think that the bugs from the outside world go no further than the doorknob on the garage door. Its important to wash hands before meals as well, but if your whole family gets in the habit of washing their hands as soon as they walk into the house, you will be eliminating the majority of outside germs.


2. Wipe off your cell phone/tablets/keys regularly with antibacterial wipes for electronics.
I make sure to do it when I get home from church and work especially. Phones are just as dirty as our hands, and when we wash our hands and then pick up our dirty phone again… gross.

3. Designate a spot (preferably not in the kitchen) for your purse and backpacks.
Purses sit on the seat of the grocery cart, on the floor of the car, sometimes the floor of the bathroom (don’t you hate it when they don’t have a hook for your purse!?!). When you get home and set your purse on the counter or table …gross. And try not to think about how dirty your kids backpacks are. Yuck.

4. Make an effort to not touch your face during the day, especially your eyes and teeth.
You’ve heard the stat, you touch your face like a thousand times a day, right? Touching your face just makes it that much easier for germs to make their way into your body.

5. Take your vitamins and probiotics
If your body isn’t running efficiently, it won’t be able to fight off infections as easily. Not all multivitamins are created equal, some just pass straight through your system, hardly getting absorbed at all, so pay a little extra for better vitamins. Along the same lines, eating well and getting enough sleep are crucial for your immune system as well.


6. Consider an essential oil diffuser
Studies are proving the effectiveness of essential oils, and diffusing them in the air is a great way to sanitize the air, without all the yucky chemicals from other disinfecting sprays (that also may exacerbate respiratory issues). I’ve used OnGuard from DoTerra and definitely recommend it.

7. Get your flu shot.
It may or may not actually help ward off the flu, but people that have had a legitimate case of the flu (where you feel like you are practically dying) know that its worth it to do whatever you can to try and prevent the flu.


8. Be careful with play dates and family get togethers. 
Some exposures can’t be avoided (school and church), but do the best you can. If you’ve got a sick kid, stay home. I’ve found the if you are vocal about keeping your own kid home when they’re sick, chances are your friends will return the favor.

Hope these help you and your family stay healthy this winter. Do you have any good suggestions to add to the list?

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Liz Mrozowski

Monday 11th of November 2013

Great tips. I have recently just started drinking an apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, lemon juice mix. I use about 1 tablespoon of braggs organic Apple Cider Vin, 1 TBL raw organic honey, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and juice from 1 lemon. All that in a hot mug of water. I'm hoping it keeps sickness away from myself and therefore my children! I know all of those ingredients have anti-viral properties and are great for the system. And it tastes good too :)We also wash our hands immediately when coming in the house.

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Wednesday 13th of November 2013

Good tip! I drink raw apple cider vinegar occasionally too, its so good for your digestive system and regulating your pH. It tastes like drinking salad dressing. :) Thanks for sharing!

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