Tis the Season to have a COLD!

Like clockwork, each year at Christmas I get a cold. It could be the stress of the season, the change in weather or the holiday diet that doesn’t include enough of the vitamins needed to stay well.

In my opinion, and because there is no cure for the common cold, the best you can do is to shorten the duration of this virus that can sometimes last as long as 10 days. Here are a few tips that, if initiated immediately after the first symptoms occur, will give you relief and help you to keep the merry in your Christmas.

1. Take vitamins like Echinacea, zinc and vitamin C daily.

2. Get plenty of rest. That may mean taking a sick day to stay in bed ALL DAY!

3. A steady diet of citrus, water and chicken soup is mandatory. If you don’t have an appetite, don’t eat!

4. Give yourself permission to miss a holiday event and enjoy a quiet and restful night in.

5. Although you may not feel like exercising, an easy walk outside or some stretching will help to release viral toxins and will also relieve some holiday stress.

6. If you do exercise you may benefit from doing so outside. Exposure to the sun will help the body produce vitamin D which is necessary in the effective absorption of other vitamins that relieve cold symptoms.

7. Get a massage. Massage can also release toxins and otherwise give your sore muscles some relief.

8. If you feel medication is necessary, make it something that loosens the congestion so that your cough is productive. Also, you may want to choose a nighttime variety if you are having difficulty sleeping.

9. Lastly, when you are finally feeling normal again, and your energy level is up to par, be cautious. Do NOT do double time to make up for the lost time. A cold can return just as quickly as it left especially if you go back to your holiday habits.

Get adequate rest, continue consumption of vitamins that boost your immune system and eat LOTS of fruits and veggies; even at parties!

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!

For questions or comments please email Suzanne_mcginnis@bellsouth.net.