Ward Off Colds with a Healthy Dose of Precaution

This time of year always brings about the nasty, sniffling, sneezing, so you-can’t-get-rest feeling. If you’re lucky you’ll dodge it, but many of us find that before long we are laid up and relaxation is forced upon us.

Thankfully there are a few things that you can do to help ward off colds and the flu. It involves a healthy dose of precaution to help keep your immune system strong in order to fight off all the unhealthy bugs that thrive during this time of year.

Get enough sleep. I admit this is a tough one for our overworked society, but it is an important factor to preventing cold and flu bugs from wreaking havoc on your healthy life. Each of us is different when it comes to how much sleep we need. When you feel that tingle in your throat maybe it’s time to cuddle up on the couch with a good book and allow yourself to doze off—all your paper work and to-do list items will be there when you awaken. Having trouble falling asleep? Experts say, turn off the television a couple of hours before bed, avoid caffeine, and don’t eat or drink just prior to hitting the sack.

Give the dog a rub. Yes, according to a 2004 study, spending a few minutes a day petting your pet can help to increase your immune system—this gives true meaning to why a dog truly is “man’s best friend”. The logic behind it is that spending time enjoying and loving an animal reduces stress and keeps our immune system healthy.

Take some much needed time for yourself. This is a very difficult thing for many people to do. With kids’ schedules, working long hours, volunteering/charity work, and family commitments—most of us are left wondering when is there any time for me? The fact remains, building a healthy immune system requires that you set aside some quality time for yourself. The operative word is quality. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time during a day; it does, however, have to be high quality time. Time that you can relax—let go of pressures, and rejuvenate yourself. Meditation, a good clean diet, exercise, and laughter are all good ways to begin to give back to your health.

Don’t rely on antioxidant vitamins to boost your immune system. Nothing beats a healthy diet. While sometimes it seems so much easier to simply pop a vitamin and hopefully get the same results as eating a good nutritious meal, we all know, it just doesn’t work that way. When you eat colorful fruits and veggies you’re getting a rich dose of multiple antioxidants that no pill can give you. Also true health benefits are synergistically derived from taking an antioxidant pill and coupling it with a healthy diet.

Volunteer. Ever notice the high you get from helping better someone else’s life? It’s a good feeling. Philanthropy and volunteerism come from a loving spirit, which again, help to produce not only a better world but also a healthier you!

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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