Happy Cold/Flu Season!

11/3/2013

Kids carry germs. PERIOD.

Kids carry germs. PERIOD. They are little disease balls that are trying to destroy you. They will carry something for a week and have no symptoms and you will get knocked out for days on end. Heed my warning. Because kids explore and are learning good hygiene practices, they are more apt to carry around bacteria and germs. Also because they keep these germs all the time and because they are young, their immune system is doing a great job of deflecting all of the gross stuff.

Germs and schoolkids are best friends. I was really nervous and apprehensive about my oldest starting school this year. In fact, I was terrified. No matter how clean the school is, germs are lurking. I decided that this year, I would NOT, in fact I refused to succumb to the kiddie-ickies. So far, so good (knock on wood). This wasn't a miracle. I've put in a lot of work to keep us moving and physically strong.

I'm not a strong proponent for taking cold/flu medicine. You're almost better off taking a shot of whisky in most cases (old school). I also am a firm believer in your body doing all the work to fight back when necessary. So in light of all that, here are a couple preventative measures I've picked up along the way...

If you can't keep a clutter free home, at least keep a clean home. Make sure you wipe down commonly used household items like the phone, light switches, tv remotes, car steering wheel, door knobs, etc.
Drink a lot and stay hydrated. The more you pee the more your liver and kidneys are working to keep your system clean. Help them out by flushing yourself.
Wash and sanitize your hands. It's so simple, 15-30 seconds of hand washing can make a huge difference. Sanitize hands when you get in the car after going to public places and before you eat at restaurants.
Disrobe when you walk in the door. Literally strip down after excursions. Your clothes sit and touch all kinds of stuff. I also recommend kids bathe or wash up after they get in the door for school. Wash that yuck off.
Get some sleep. When it gets cold and dark our bodies are looking for energy. Lots of people fuel themselves with empty calories and fat in an attempt to gain or replace lost energy. Instead of eating junk, take a nap. 20-30 minutes in the middle of the day will do the trick. If you can't do that, try to shift the fall/winter bedtime by 30 minutes. EVERYONE should get to bed 30 minutes earlier- adults too. When your body is broken down, the germs begin to take hold. Sleep is the body's way of rejuvenating itself.

Here are a few items that STAY in our diet year long. I attribute much of our success to these simple yet awesome foods and practices that are increased during flu season.