Some 'MUST DO NOWs' to Prevent Colds and Flu

The leaves are starting to change and there is definitely a crispness to the air. Fall is definitely my favorite season, but with it, comes cold and flu season. And of course, COVID-19 now complicates matters. Here’s what I do to help prevent colds in my household: BOOST the immune system now. Here are some tips to get started today:

1. Practice Healthy Habits

I know, easier said than done. But really what this comes down to is:

• Wash your hands--this has been shown to reduce your chance of getting a cold by 45%!
• Sleep! Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep while children and teens should be getting 10-12 hours.
• Reduce your stress--yes, 2020 has been a doozy of a year. Stress, especially chronic stress, can wreak havoc on our bodies, increasing our susceptibility of getting ill. Things such as deep breathing, meditation, or reading a book with a cup of tea are all great ways to reduce stress and reduce your risk for getting sick
• Eat those brightly colored fruits and veggies! Foods such as sweet potatoes, beets, butternut squash, oranges, and apricots are high in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps maintain your immune system by supporting the mucous lining in your mouth, nose, and lungs--all those places viruses like to enter your body.
• Drink more fluids! You should be drinking at least 60 oz of water a day. If water isn’t your thing, there are a lot of ways to “doctor” it up including adding fruit or herbs (my favorite is lemon and strawberries, but also with lime, cucumbers, basil, or mint)
• Stay active--Studies have shown that regular exercise helps develop a more refined and more effective immune system. Having a stronger immune system means getting a better and faster response to the virus invaders.

2. Take Your Vitamin D

Sadly, with the colder weather upon us, we tend to not get enough Vitamin D from the sun. So, upping your Vitamin D is critical during the months from October-May here in Colorado. Why? The British Medical Journal recently published a meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled studies proving that vitamin D can help prevent respiratory illnesses (see the study here). If you are needing a Vitamin D supplement, we offer one at Arvada Sport and Spine that comes with a double-punch: K2, which is crucial for heart health! Ask one of us for more information if you are interested.

3. Put a Humidifier in Your Room

This is critical especially here in Colorado with our dry winters. Viruses are much more likely to survive on dry surfaces. Increasing humidification in your bedroom not only reduces the transmission of the flu virus, but also increases how long you sleep!

4. Take Viracid at the First Sign of a Cold or Flu

We are now offering Viracid, which can be taken daily or as a blister pack. Blister packs are great for the first day you notice cold or flu symptoms. Viracid packs a mighty punch with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, black elderberry, echinacea--all shown to help knock out those nasty viruses. Call our office if you are interested in purchasing a bottle for everyday use or a blister pack for single use. 303-424-9549