Tips for Surviving Cold and Flu Season with the Help of Swiss Natural Echinacea

Photo credit – flickr mcfarlandmo  (CC)  

As we head into the dreaded cold and flu season we are all trying to do whatever we can to keep ourselves and our families healthy.  Knowing how colds and viruses spread is key to understanding how to prevent the illness.  Catching a cold or influenze (“flu”) from getting cold and/or wet is a common myth.   The only thing that can cause a cold or flu is a cold or flu virus. Getting cold and/or wet won’t give you a cold.

All cold and influenza viruses are spread from person to person in respiratory droplets propelled by coughs and sneezes from an infected person to the mouth or nose of another person. They also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on an object or person and then touches his or her own mouth or nose.

Here are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy and avoid becoming ill:

• Hand washing, I cannot stress enough how critical this is!  Rub your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, be sure you reach every surface of you hands and finger nails.  That is the amount of time it takes to recite the alphabet — or to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are a good alternative when soap and running water is not available.
• Every time you cough or sneeze use a clean disposable tissue and then get rid of the tissue by flushing it down the toilet.  If a tissue is not available cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hands. Since your hands are a common source of germs, doing that will prevent them from spreading.
• Get plenty of sleep as your body recharges itself at night.  I know this isn’t always feasible, but aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
• Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential to your health. Water helps your body assimilate nutrients and convert food into energy. Water also helps flush out impurities of your body.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Include protein to protect and build your lean muscle mass and plenty of healthy carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables. A healthy body starts on the inside with proper nutrition.

Although there is some controversy regarding it’s effectiveness, many people swear by the ability of echinacea products such as, Swiss Natural Echinacea.  Echinacea is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat sore throats due to colds. The medicinal properties of this popular herb were discovered by Native American Indians many years ago.  The two most potent species of this plant include echinacea angustifolia and echinacea purpurea.

It claims to activate the cells of the immune system in order to fight off colds, the flu, infections as well as support therapies that act to treat colds, the flu, upper respiratory infections as well as helping to relieve sore throat and other cold related symptoms.

Swiss Natural Echinacea is not recommended if pregnant, nursing and/or allergic to plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae (daisy) family. Always consult a doctor before taking any new type of medication.

Swiss Natural also has other vitamins and supplements available. For more information about Swiss Natural Echinacea and other products please visit www.swissnatural.com.

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{Disclaimer -1. The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition and/or concerns with your health practitioner. 2.  I received compensation as well as product from the company or PR firm in exchange for being featured on Older Mommy Still Yummy.  As always, the opinions expressed are my own.}