More cold/flu prevention tips

[LarsMal]

I picked up a Prevention magazine at the grocery store the other day. There is an article on how to "flu-proof" your winter.

There is more info than this, but I thought I'd just pass along some of their tips.

1. Fight back with food
- yogurt
- garlic
- black tea
- mushrooms
- fatty fish

2. Shield yourself from germs
- wash often and well
- don't share toothpaste tubes
- befriend the paper towel
- deploy disinfectant (wipe phone, keyboard, gym equipment, door handles in hotel, etc.)
- use creative barriers (push elevator button with key or knuckle, etc.)
- observe the 5-foot rule (between you and a coughing/sneezing person)

3. Buy supplements
- Omega 3 fatty acids if you don't like fish
- vitamin D if you don't get enough sunlight
- Zinc if you feel a cold coming on

4. Play hard, then get some rest
- moderate exercise 20-30 minutes a day
- at least 7 hours of sleep a night
- party on!! (my favorite!!) "People who are socially active get fewer colds, even when intentionally exposed to the cold virus."

[pinkmomagain]

Thanks for sharing.

[neeter]

I've read a few others to add:

- don't touch your face -- especially nose and mouth.
- gargle with warm water and salt
- use a neti pot to clear out your sinuses

[caleymama]

Thanks for posting.

I read this article yesterday and thought it also had some sensible, good info:
30 ways to outsmart the flu (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/02/outsmart.flu/index.html)