Prevent H1N1

News reports from the CDC indicate there is a high risk of a surge in H1N1 cases in the Fall. What can you do now to prevent H1N1 virus from disrupting your life?  With a rush to develop a marginally tested vaccine, there has been very little education around more pro-active responses that are preventive in nature.
As a holistic health counselor, I find that the same basic lifestyle steps that prevent heart disease, cancer and other debilitating illnesses are the ones that protect you from more transient conditions like colds and flu. They are steps that relate to your food, your activity and your rest.

Here are some suggestions:

•     Bolster your immune system now by  regularly eating fresh fruits and vegetables of many     colors, along with whole grains and omega-3 rich foods
•     Manage your stress –  when you don’t, it inhibits your immune system
•     Get ample exercise in whatever ways you enjoy to strengthen your lungs
•     Get adequate rest, between 7-8 hours per night, and more for children
•     Wash your hands frequently with plain soap, not anti-bacterial soap
•     Whenever you feel run- down, give in to it and rest
•     Take an immune building tonic each day
•     Bolster your well-being through bodywork, including acupuncture, shiatsu and chiropractic 

When you put these simple practices into place, you are greatly increasing your odds of not contracting the virus because your immune system will be better prepared to fight it off.  Reports indicate it is a very contagious virus because it is new to us, and we don’t have antibodies to this particular strain. That is why we need to be diligent in getting ourselves in the best possible shape. And should we fall ill, staying home and resting is the first course of action for getting yourself better and not infecting others.