Every time I turn on the radio I’m hearing about how the flu has taken over the planet like some sort of alien invasion.
They say, it’s worse than in years past and then a doctor will come on to the radio and vouch for the flu shot and hand washing.
REALLY!? Are you SERIOUS!?
With flu shots being sold like Starbucks Coffee on every single corner, I’m curious if they truly believe this is the answer!?
So, you might ask,what really works?
Is there more to preventing flu shots and hand washing?
1. Yes…Wash your hands.
Hand washing cannot be over rated. This is a very serious practice that we must be consistent about, especially with our tykes. I always ask, and enforce it with my son. But, do you need to be reminded too?
2. Feed Your Army
I explained to my son that he has little blood cells that act like an army.
If you feed this army candy, chips, hot dogs and chocolate all day your army will be fat and lazy. Then when the bad guys like the flu invade your territory, all the army does is lay around and burp. (He got a giggle with this.) Then the flu can make you very, very sick and maybe even kill you.
But if you feed your army with power foods like broccoli, apples, oranges, healthy free range eggs, and my favorite old fashioned Chicken Soup; your army is strong and standing, waiting for those bad guys (flu) and they are ready to kick some bad guy tooshie!
Then, I simply ask him, which do you prefer? Now you Moms out there, which do YOU prefer?
3. Exercise
A bit of moderate exercise just might boost your immune system! Make sure in the winter months you are not subscribed to the couch potato journal and are getting on your feet for at least 30 minutes every day to move your body!
On the worst weather days this is a simple group of games on our X-Box Connect or a quick boost up and down the stairs followed by stretching.
4. Hydrate
Every day, drink water. A well hydrated body made of at least 70% water operates more effectively to fend off unwanted visitors than a dehydrated body struggling to complete it’s own regular functions. How do I stay hydrated? I carry a water bottle. I have a special one I love, with positive and self affirming words on it. I also got one for my son. We always fill our water bottles before we leave our house, ensuring we aren’t persuaded to purchase liquid sugar when we go out into the mass media driven world.
5. Destress
Stress plays a huge role in our health. If you are stressed on a regular basis, it challenges your body on many levels. Your immune system is crippled and you can no longer effectively fend off those bad guys! Okay, that’s nice but what do you do about it?
My favorite ways to overcome my most stressful moments are: B-R-E-A-T-H-E, taking at least three long deep breaths reminds my body that I’m okay.
Go for a walk in a quiet park. Getting connected with nature allows my mind to process and sort things through, leaving me feel calm and in control.
Get a good nights sleep. Things that are so stressful one day can be greatly reduced the next if you have better energy to take them on.
You can see there are many things you can do to help prevent your body from being invaded with the flu, and these things do not require a needle. You deserve to have a healthy and happy winter season. The best way to enjoy it is to make sure you are taking care of you and your family with whole foods, drink plenty of water, get proper rest, exercise, and taking time out to decompress.
So now, you have your own weapons to battle those unwanted aliens! It’s as easy as getting up right now and getting yourself a nice tall glass of water!
In vibrant health and happiness,
Tammi
Mom Positive 