How to face the flu and common cold

Precisely what is the dreaded "Flu"?

	It's an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A or B. While most people who get the flu recover in a week or two, others can develop severe and potentially life-threatening complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, those most threatened are children under five and adults older than 65, nursing home and long-term care residents, pregnant women up to two weeks postpartum, and others with weakened immune systems. So too are people with chronic illnesses or who are extremely obese.
	If the flu strikes, stay home. You're sick and highly contagious. Embrace your downtime and heal your body with it. Curl up on the couch, read, watch TV, and nod off to sleep anytime.  Get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night--your body is fighting a virus.
	Drink plenty of fluids for both the flu or a cold. Fluids hydrate your respiratory system and convert thick mucus into a liquid you can spit out. An expectorant will thin the mucus, too. For congestion, the Mayo Clinic recommends over-the-counter decongestant tablets like Sudafed and nasal sprays. Studies suggest they narrow blood vessels in the lining of the nose and help reduce swelling.
	Remember that protein is essential to maintaining body strength. Among your best sources for it are lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds. 
	For your cold, recent studies suggest that chicken soup may indeed degrade its symptoms. Nobody really knows why, but the evidence implies this time-honored remedy helps subdue inflammation.  According to the American College of Chest Physicians, chicken soup appears to slow the movement of neutrophils, the white blood cells that harbor acute infection. Tests indicate the vegetables and chicken pieces combine to produce "inhibitory activity."
	If you try zinc for a cold, be sure to follow dosage instructions carefully: Harvard Medical School recommends 15-25 mg per day.
As always, consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any health issues or symptoms.

If you want to boost your immune system, try my products on www.WellnessMike.com
Thank you
WellnessMike 
Nurse Practitioner

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Best Snacks; A Nurses Perspective

Five Best Snacks To Get You Through Those 12-hour Shifts BY SCRUBS STAFF • FEBRUARY 1, 2016 As a nurse, you’re probably working long shifts. Whether you love them or hate them, one thing is for sure: 12-hour shifts make for a long day or night. To get through your shift, proper nutrition is essential to maintain the energy and mental sharpness. In addition to eating a healthy lunch or dinner, snacks also play an important role in helping you have the stamina you need. Snacking also can prevent you from overeating at meals and help keep your metabolism fired up, but choosing the right snacks is the key. Although soda, candy, and surgery coffee drinks may give you a quick boost, they are not your best bet when it comes to keeping your blood sugar levels steady and getting the right nutrients. Consider some of the following snacks to get you through your next 12-hour shift: Nuts: There may be times when you crave a salty snack, but chips and pretzels are high in carbohydrates and low in
Read more

Proper Exercise

Proper exercise includes activities that combine both aerobic exercise and strength training. Aerobic exercise can include activities such as jogging, power walking, swimming, cycling, and using an elliptical machine.  Strength training activities can include using resistance bands, weights, or bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups.  To get the most benefit from exercise, experts recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. In addition, adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. It is also important to remember that exercise does not have to be done all at once. You can break up your exercise into a few 10-minute increments throughout the day.
Read more

6 Small Steps to Improve Your Health in a BIG Way

You want to be healthier, right? But try as you might, it always seems like something's standing in your way. Time and money are two of the largest obstacles, and you may think it's impossible to improve your health without a significant time or financial investment. The good news is, however, that's not true. Even the smallest changes can have a big impact on your health, and you can start improving your wellness today with these six simple steps. 1. Take a stand while so many others are having a seat. Did you know the average person sits about 13 hours a day? Whether eating, working, driving or relaxing, that's a lot of sitting. Stand up for your health by resolving to get up at least once an hour. Walk to the bathroom, the water fountain or to ask your question in person instead of via email - you'll be healthier for it. 2. Run in place....any place . Effective exercise can happen without the gym membership. Blue Cross and Blue Shield surprised customers at
Read more