Cyndi lives in the perverbial small town in West Tennessee with her husband and 2 cats. Writing, from the heart, on a variety of subjects is her passion. Spirituality is always #1, with natural health issues a very close second. 
There is a definitive little nip in the air. The leaves are bursting with fabulous fall colors. The signs of Autumn’s appearance is all around us. This is a beautiful time of year. If you are fortunate enough to live where there are four distinct seasons, you will appreciate fall even more after a long, hot summer. Of course, all of this beauty, we know, will eventually lead us into a cold, dreary winter.
With winter comes the sniffles, the colds, and the flu. The best way to combat winter illnesses is to prevent them. The old proverb, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, always rings true.
Hand washing is the single best way to prevent spreading germs according to the Center for Disease Control. Just plain old soap and water goes a long way in keeping germs from spreading. The hand hygiene market has been saturated in recent years with antibacterial soaps. These are no more effective than regular soap and less effective than hand sanitizers. Clear Defense Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer by Melaleuca, Inc., is a wonderful choice because it moisturizes also. Dry skin is probably not something you want to add to your winter woes. Whichever brand you choose, make sure it contains natural moisturizers.
Preventing colds and flu mainly starts on the inside. A diet rich in vitamin C will give your immune system a boost. If you aren’t already taking vitamins or supplements, consider a vitamin C supplement, at least during the winter and spring. The standard recommendation is to take 500 milligrams of vitamin C twice a day.
Fresh, in season, fruits and vegetables, such as, pears, apples, root vegetables and winter squash, are always the best choice for maintaining winter health. The in season produce helps to moisturize your insides. The large intestine and lungs are especially vulnerable during the cold, dry, season. The inside needs moisture as much as the outside. They also like warm, this may be the reason we crave soups and stews during the cold months. Our body tends to tell us what it needs and it needs to be warm in winter. So, even if you are a fan of raw fruits and vegetables, try to incorporate more cooked food into your diet to keep the lungs and intestines happy this winter.
Keep the air flowing. Stagnant overheated homes and offices tend to trap the germs inside with you. Keeping the air fresh helps disburse cold and flu germs. If you happen to work in a very small, cramped space, use a small fan to circulate the air. At home, a humidifier will help moisten the air.
In the event that you do catch cold or come down with the flu, here are some valuable, time honored tips:
Get some rest! Even if you are die-hard dedicated to your job, stay at home for a few days. Especially if you have the flu.
Drink plenty of liquids, your body dehydrates from the fever, if you have one, on the inside and from the dry heat on the outside. Water and fruit juice are your best bets. Caffeine containing drinks such as soda, coffee, and tea cause you to eliminate fluids. Alcoholic beverages will also dehydrate you.
When you eat, eat lightly and only if you feel like it. Easily digestible foods such as broth, soup or salads allow your body to concentrate it’s efforts on fighting the illness instead of on digestion. Stay away from red meats and cheese during your recovery time.
Exercise will improve your circulation, but don’t over do it. A soothing yoga session or a brisk half -hour walk is enough. Remember you need to rest!
Visit your practitioner. Whether you choose a conventional medical doctor or a holistic practitioner, if your symptoms persist or worsen, get professional help.
Have a well and wondrous winter season!