Tips to Prevent Colds and the Flu

Cold and Flu season are officially here, beginning in October and continuing through early Spring with February being the peak month.  Want to be one of those people we all envy that NEVER gets sick?  Here are a few points to follow to help you on your mission this season:  Wash your hands – most research recommends at least 5 times per day using soap and warm water.  The average length of time it takes to de-germ those hands is the length of the “Happy Birthday Song” so sing away

1. Invest in hand sanitizer- when washing hands is not an option, use gel or towelettes with a high percentage of alcohol for optimal cleansing. 
2. Toothbrush replacement- invest in a new one at least once a month.  Most germs enter the body through the mouth.  Make sure you are not contaminating yourself with your own toothbrush. 
3. Use those knuckles!- yes, your knuckles are less likely to be germ infested than your fingertips.  If you must rub your eyes, use your knuckles instead.
4. Watch your stress level- those that are stressed and over-worked, are prime candidates for a visit from Mr. Cold or Flu. 
5. Refresh hand towels- make sure to change them at least every 3rd day or even every other if they get a lot of use from little ones.
6. Add yogurt to your diet- A study from the University of California-Davis, found that there was a 25 % decrease in colds in those that ate yogurt daily as opposed to non yogurt eaters. 
7. Turn it down 5 degrees- lowering the temperature in your home helps keep mucous membranes from drying out, which trap those germs in your nose, mouth and tonsils.
8. Let a little fresh air in- crack a window in the winter to allow fresh circulation of air.  It will help chase some of those germs away.
9. If you feel a hint of a cold try…. zinc lozenge, cooking a pot of chicken soup, and increasing your roasted garlic intake. 

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 21st, 2010 at 8:00 am and is filed under Health & Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.