5 Tips to Stay Healthy this Cold and Flu Season
Here are a few tried and true suggestions to stay healthy this cold and flu season:
- Get a flu shot. The somewhat controversial flu shot has flu-virus particles that stimulate anti-flu immunity in your body. In other words, it makes your body’s immune system beef up security by tricking it into thinking the flu virus is present. With beefed up security, your body will actually be able to fight off the flu before you get sick from it. But, not everyone is convinced it’s worth it. Why? First, it takes up to 2 full weeks for a flu shot to work and many people catch the flu before the shot can take effect. The shot can also cause muscle aches and pains similar to having the flu. Both of these have convinced some that “the flu shot gave them the flu.” In reality, the flu shot can’t cause the flu. On the other hand, it doesn’t always prevent the flu. But, allegedly if you do catch the flu after getting a flu shot, you will not get as sick and it won’t last as long.
- Wash your hands and your surroundings. Washing your hands as much as possible, especially if you’ve encountered someone sick, will rid of viruses from your skin before they can get into your system and make you sick. A good way to time yourself is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song two times while scrubbing your hands completely – including front, back, between fingers and around fingernails. The water doesn’t have to be super hot (and can be cold!), because the act of scrubbing is what removes the germs. Hand sanitizers work well for removing germs when soap and water aren’t available. And, don’t forget to sanitize your surroundings! Clean light-switches, door knobs and other frequently touched things that can carry germs. Your computer keyboard could probably use a good scrubbing. Take a look! You can use disinfectant to clean, or just plain old soap and water. The point is to clean frequently and remove those germs.
- Stay warm. As obvious as this might sound, if you’re always cold you might get a cold. While it’s true that being cold does not give you a cold. It takes energy to make your own heat, and if you’re cold you’re using excessive energy which might cause your defenses to be run down, and might open yourself up to illness! I have (and highly recommend) this little powerhouse of a personal heater. It’s called the HeatBud™ – the new Honeywell Ceramic Personal Heater, that goes anywhere and takes only 250 watts of power. Gone are the days of electric heaters eating up your electric bill! And, they’re available in four super cute colors so you can accessorize while you’re staying cozy and warm. The Honeywell heater is available at Amazon.com.
- Eat right, exercise and get enough rest. In other words, take care of yourself. Letting yourself get run down makes you more likely to fall victim to colds or flu. Taking supplements such as Vitamin C can also help boost your immune system during flu season. Request a free of Emergen-C Vitamin C sample in this link. And, don’t forget to stay hydrated! You need to drink water even in winter (I know, it’s not my first choice either!) Along with your water intake, dry homes can take their toll on your health. Try the MistMate ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that works in a room up to 12×12! This cute little humidifier packs a punch, but is super quiet and is available on Amazon.com. Follow Honeywell Plugged In on Facebook!
- Keep allergies under control. Allergy flare-ups cause respiratory inflammation, which can make you more susceptible to getting a virus. A great way to avoid allergies in the winter when you’re cooped up inside where furnaces carry lots of irritants is to use a air purifier. Reduce dust particles and odors in your home with the new Febreze™ Air Purifier, and experience cleaner, fresher air. Equipped with dual action HEPA-Type filters for odor and dust reduction, Febreze™ air purifiers trap up to 99% of airborne particles including dust, pet dander and other allergens while releasing the fresh scent of Febreze™ linen & sky™ or spring & renewal™. Febreze Air Purifiers are available at Walmart.
Nothing says a healthy house like a clean house. That’s why we’re sharing a few of Julie Edleman’s Cleaning Tips:
- Sports Stains: Pre-treating is key! For grass stains, use a solution of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Just make sure to test out a small patch first to make sure the solution doesn’t affect the colors of the shirt. For mud stains, let them dry and scrape off as much as possible. Then, cut a raw potato in half and rub it all over the stain. The juices in the potato act as an enzyme to clear up the stain. TIP: Don’t use hot water. It can actually set a stain.
- Ditch the Dust: No matter how neat and clean you try to be, dust has sneaky a way of collecting on surfaces throughout your home. Try the Febreze Air Purifier to help capture airborne particles before they settle, reducing the levels of airborne dust that can accumulate on furniture and counters.
- When Your Wall Becomes A Work Of Art: For colored markers spray the wall with hairspray and immediately wipe before it can drip down or dry. For crayons, you can put a dab of toothpaste on a toothbrush and gently wipe it out, or rub with a dampened microfiber cloth and baking soda.
- Embarrassing Pet Odors: We love our furry friends, but we’re not so fond of the embarrassing pet odor that they leave around the house—from kitty litter and pet mishaps to wet dog smell. Try using the Febreze Air Purifier to reduce odors and add a fresh, clean scent back into the air.
- Move Over, Must: Your basement smells musty, but you don’t know what to do? The carpeted floor is most likely the culprit. Carpet fibers hang on to dust particles and moisture, which can make the basement smell musty. Sprinkle some corn starch or baby powder, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then suck it up with your vacuum. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air. HINT: To help capture those dust particles before they even have a chance to hit the carpet, keep a Febreze Air Purifier in your basement.
Health Source: WebMD