Stay healthy during flu season
By Thea Shoemaker 12/10/2009
It’s here. I hate to say it, but it’s the truth. Every year, starting around Thanksgiving and usually not ending until well into February, it happens. The flu bug comes and hits a good number of us.
I’m going to be honest (anyone who knows me is going to crack up when they read this): my close friends and family all think I’m a “germ-a-phobe!” Now I tell people because I want them to be more careful around me when it comes to their germs. It all started when I had kids and they caught everything under the sun, which meant, of course, I got it, too! My poor daughter has barfed more times than I think anyone should ever have to in one lifetime. We have gone through fevers so high that we spent all night in the ER and never-ending coughs that lasted for months. I’m sharing this with you because I feel I have found a few things that will help you stay healthy this season, and my own family follows these tips regularly. My kids are more mindful now, and we all are healthier because of this routine.
Drink water. If you drink plenty of water each day, you will flush out unwanted toxins.
Wash your hands. Not only is it simple, it’s the single most preventative thing you can do. If you are somewhere without soap and water, use an antibacterial ointment and wash your hands as soon as you can.
Minimize face contact. Try not to touch your face often, and definitely not unless you’ve washed your hands.
Keep antibacterial cream or gel in your gym bag or car.
Change your toothbrush. If anyone in your house has been sick recently, get them a new toothbrush.
Regularly change your sheets, especially pillowcases. Bedding can harbor germs and bacteria.
Get as much fresh air as possible. Keep your windows open as much as possible during the day; I try to air the house at least once a day in the wintertime.
Get rid of stuffed animals. If you have kids, keep the stuffed animals to a minimum, as they carry icky germs. Make sure to wash them often.
Last but not least: DO NOT SHARE FOOD! This is the one that made me famous as a germ-a-phobe. I don’t let my kids share food or drinks, even with each other.
Of course, regular exercise is also a big key to staying healthy, but you already knew that! So what if you have done all of these things and you still end up with a bug? Should you keep exercising? Exercising while sick can make ya or break ya, depending on how sick you are and where you’re sick. For example, if you have a stomach bug, are running a temperature or have a chest cold, you should not exercise. Not even a little bit, as it will make you worse. If it’s just a sniffle, some light cardio to get the sweat going can boost your immune system and may prevent you from getting a full-blown bug.
The general rule is: if it’s from the neck down, don’t exercise. If it’s a head cold, use your best judgment.
Often, I’ve felt a little tickle in my throat, gone for a long, slow run, and never got really sick. Studies show that exercise boosts your immune system. Keeping it light helps. I recommend not over exercising during flu season.
With threats of Swine Flu and all the other types of illnesses hovering over us, we can’t be too cautious. Take care of yourself; and always remember, you’re worth it!
Thea Shoemaker, CPT, has provided in-home personal training in Ventura County since 1996. You can reach her at thea@tsfitnesssystems.com or (805) 985-7867. Or visit her Web site at www.TSFitnessSystems.com.
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