Beating Flu

I've received enough emails lately that keep asking me how I stay healthy and avoid the flu, ask the question why I'm so anti-flu-shot and so on.  It's time to re-visit this rather seasonal topic.

When you read all the articles outlining just what is IN that precious flu shot - as well as the long-term effects some of these ingredients (mercury, anyone?) have on your body, not to mention the ineffectiveness of the shot, I'm always surprised people line up for this injection of poisons.   Before you scream at me that your doctor says you are "high risk" and MUST take the shot, I'm well aware of that.  There are "mandates" for some people due to age or disease.  With studies actually proving how ineffective these shots are, I still don't understand the excitement and fuss to mandate injecting people with poisons.

That being said, here are a few things to do NOW to stay healthy and not pick up germs.

Wash your hands!  In a restroom, I use the paper towel to then open the door, or I'll pull my sleeve down.  Yeah, it may sound germaphobic but I touch NOTHING common.  I use my forearm or shoulder to push open doors, never touch a handrail EVER, and always, always use the wipes that stores provide for shopping carts.  I probably make hubs nuts, but I'm always telling him to stop using his hands to open doors.  He's not a "believer".  He also gets colds and bouts of godknowswhat kind of viruses.  (Is there anything worse than a sick hubs?  Doubtful.)  During "flu season" we are generally wearing long-sleeved tops and coats.  What do you think those sleeves are FOR?  To keep your arms warm?  Use them to open doors!  Be glad they are there :)

It may sound stupid to say don't touch your face or rub your eyes.  So there.  I said it.  We can be our own worst enemies sometimes.  We can infect ourselves, and do, all the time.

Another thing - menus.  A study was done on the germs found on restaurant menus!  You would be shocked beyond belief to know how absolutely LOADED with stuff (trust me, it's disgusting) that menus have on them.  After reading the menu in a restaurant I get up and wash my hands.  Seriously.  If you'd read this expose on the menu study that was done, you would too!  Start NOW.  You don't need to tell the restaurant, but do share this info with your fellow diners at your table.  Quietly.

As for crowds, classrooms and in general masses of people, keep adhering to the above suggestions.  The random air-borne viruses can usually be handled by a fully boosted up immune system.  That means (you know what is coming) getting proper rest, reducing stress, and eating REAL food, supplementing with D-3 and Vitamin C - do not wait until you are symptomatic to take these either.  People tell me they take C at the first sign of a cold.  Great.  Why get the "sign"? 

There is an excellent book, "Beating the Flu" by J. E. Williams, if you want a very in-depth look at what you can do.  It covers a LOT of material that is well worth knowing.  You know - be prepared.  Usually when we are, we don't need all we prepared for!   May this be YOUR case, eh?