| Although New Year's is a time for celebration, it is | | | | For many people, this time of year is very cold, |
| also the height of the cold and flu season. You don't | | | | which makes it much less tempting to go outside. |
| want to start 2007 off on the wrong foot, so here | | | | Don't get lazy, just because it's winter though. Your |
| are some tips for preventing cold and flu viruses | | | | body needs exercise and sun to stay healthy and |
| from slowing you down in the New Year. | | | | defend itself against viruses. Participating in vigorous |
| First, remember, there is no "cure" for the common | | | | outside winter activities such as skating, skiing or |
| cold - or the flu. Because of this, prevention is very | | | | even just a good old snowball fight is just the thing |
| important. Luckily, there are plenty of very simple | | | | to help you fend off colds and the flu. |
| steps you can take. | | | | If you do feel a cold coming on, get ready for it |
| For starters, make sure to wash your hands regularly. | | | | immediately. Start drinking plenty of water and |
| Like mom always told you, warm, soapy water will | | | | increase the amount of rest you are getting right |
| do the trick every time. Special attention should be | | | | away. And whatever you do, don't ask your doctor |
| given to teaching your children to follow this simple | | | | for anti-biotics. They are not effective for colds and |
| rule on a regular basis too. Clean hands will go a long | | | | will only serve to weaken your immune system and |
| way towards reducing your chances of becoming ill. | | | | make you resistant to certain strains of bacteria your |
| Of course, the new year is a time when we tend to | | | | body might need to defend itself against in the |
| go to a lot of parties and possibly over-indulge in | | | | future. |
| food and drink. A healthy diet is very important to | | | | If you are at particular high-risk for developing the |
| keeping your immune system running at its most | | | | flu, such as health-care professionals, you might also |
| optimum level though, so be especially careful about | | | | consider getting a flu vaccination. Discuss the pros |
| what you are eating. Make sure to pick on the | | | | and cons of this with your doctor so you can make |
| vegetable sticks as well as the sweets. Remember, | | | | an informed decision. For one, it might already be too |
| alcohol can also weaken your immune system, so | | | | late in the season for vaccination to be effective. |
| watch how much you drink too. | | | | Luckily, preventive measure like those above will go a |
| Don't keep staying up so late either. The stress on | | | | long ways all on their own. |
| your body from not getting enough rest can really | | | | As you can see, the new year need not be a time |
| weaken your immune system and quickly make you | | | | to fear the dreaded cold and flu. By taking simple |
| susceptible to cold and flu viruses. It's much better | | | | preventive steps you can greatly reduce your |
| for your health if you tape those late night shows | | | | chances of getting sick. Here's hoping your 2007 |
| this time of year and watch them during the day, | | | | starts on healthy and happy footing and continues |
| instead of staying up until the wee hours to watch | | | | throughout the year! |
| them. | | | | |