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DBA AdPro Media Sales, All Rights Reserved Written by: Kamau Austin
So much of the talk you hear about ways to prevent the cold and flu focus on things like keeping hands clean and eating right. And there's no doubt that these two cold and flu prevention techniques alone can go far towards keeping your family healthy and happy during the cold and flu season.
But protecting yourself and your family involves more than just taking care of yourselves. It also involves taking care of your environment. The underlying cause of a cold or the flu is a virus. If the virus gets into your system, or that of a family member, guess what? The infected person is more than likely going to get sick. And if the virus isn't controlled, it's going to go 'round and 'round, infecting everyone in its path.
Unless you take steps to keep the virus at bay, you can pretty much plan on spending some portion of the upcoming cold and flu season dealing with a sick child or spouse. And you don't even want to think about what's going to happen (or not happen) if you're the one who falls victim to the influenza virus.
If you live in a cold weather climate, here are some tips that will help keep your home environment from becoming a breeding ground for the influenza virus.
Occasionally crack open the windows
When it's cold outside, the thermostat's going to heat up. No one ever thinks about how stale the air inside the house can become when it's never allowed to circulate with some fresh air. You've got to get some fresh, outdoors air inside to help chase away the germs. I'm not suggesting you throw open the patio doors; just crack open the windows in the rooms where your family spends a lot of time about an inch every couple of days and your indoor environment will be healthier.
Lower the temperature
Yes, this sounds like another crazy idea when it's freezing outside, but most homes during the winter are actually overheated. Cold and flu viruses love living inside homes that are hot and dry. You can send those viruses packing simply by setting the thermostat back just 5 degrees. Your family probably won't even notice. And if they do, tell them to throw on a sweatshirt or extra blanket. Not only will you be lowering your medical bills (fewer trips to the doctor), you'll also be saving money on your heating bill! With the costs of heating rising year after year, this is one time that makes good financial sense too!
Moisten the air
With a humidifier, but not so much that you succeed in moving the influenza virus out and inviting mold in. Mold is a whole other issue you don't want your family involved in. When the air inside your home is dry, everyone's mucous membranes are likely to dry out. Mucous membranes need to be moist so they can trap dirt and germs. They're actually one of the most important lines of defense the immune system has. If germs don't make it inside the body, the body doesn't have to wage war against them. Invest in a hydrometer, a tool that's capable of measuring indoors humidity levels. For the best protection against colds and flu, the air inside your home should measure about 50% moist.
Put tissues everywhere
Using tissues and then throwing them away will help keep germs off fingers. When germs get on fingers and then fingers touch eyes, mouth or nose, those germs have a direct route inside the body. Besides putting a box of tissue in every room of the home, put a pack in purses, backpacks and vehicles. If someone in the family does catch a cold, he or she should always cough and sneeze into the tissues and then throw the tissues away.
Put the dishwasher and microwave oven on your team
Wash towels in hot water every couple of days during cold and flu season. If you don't want to wash that frequently, then at least put fresh towels out regularly. Also use the microwave oven to sanitize your family's toothbrushes which can become breeding grounds for germs.
Put Immune Support Supplements in your cupboards
Realistically in our fast paced lives you probably won't get enough immune system support in your regular diet. For this reason you may want to experiment with high quality supplements created to give your immune system a boost. Immunitril is an herbal supplement that may help give your immune system a substantial boost. I have read good things about this supplement at www.Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a health care professional before taking health or food supplements.
About the Author:
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on a health or fitness program.
Written by the V-Team courtesy Kamau Austin Publisher. The V-Team writes articles for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips on supporting our immune systems with Immunitril at http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm
