The Flu & You: Tips to Avoid the "Flu Season"
Winter’s here and along with the cold comes...the “flu season.” It seems like from October to January our children are coming home with runny noses, colds, coughs, and the dreaded flu. Not only are they getting sick but the snuggles, hugs, and kisses that help comfort them when they are sick in return get mom and dad sick as well. Not only is it the season of caring but sharing! The good news is there’s a way to stay healthy during the cold and flu season!
The Flu is Not a Season
We hear over and over again that “flu season” is here, or that last years “flu season” was horrible, but really there is no such thing as a “flu season.” Don’t get me wrong from October to January it does seem like the flu is more common, but instead of looking at the flu as a season think about this instead. The flu is an inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure and water intake, combined with increased sugar intake and stress. Now that makes more sense! Starting in October the cold settles in and we aren’t outside as much so we aren’t exposing ourselves to the sun and soaking in vitamin D. As it gets colder we tend to drink less water, because we don’t feel as thirsty when we aren’t hot. Then throw on top of that Halloween treats, Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies and all the added stress and BAM where did our healthy immune system go?
The Chiropractic Factor
Well-balanced spines play a major role in keeping our bodies healthy and happy. When you spine is misaligned the nerves that travel to particular areas of the body can’t function properly and that leads to malfunctions. Regular adjustments can help decrease nerve interference, therefore ensuring properly functioning organs and immune systems. This means that your body is better able to fight the nasty cold and flu viruses you may come into contact with this winter.
Many of our patients at Active Family Chiropractic & Rehab have told us that since they have been getting regular adjustments they have not been sick and have been able to avoid the "flu season." Some have said that they have gotten sick, but that instead of being sick for a week or more they bounce back after 2-3 days.
Tips to Avoid the Flu
So how does one avoid the flu? By keeping your immune system strong and healthy, even if you are lucky enough to come into contact with the virus, you can avoid the full blown sickness. Here are a few good tips to help keep that immune system strong as we head into the colder weather Montana has to offer.
Avoid all the sugar...sure a few pieces of candy, a slice of pie or a cookie or two won’t hurt you, but moderation is the key.
Increase your vitamin D, since we aren’t going to get much from the sun taking a supplement will ensure that those levels don’t dip too much (I recommend 5,000-10,000 ius)
Drink water, about half your body weight in ounces or more (and no coffee and soda doesn’t count)
De-stress, find something that decreases your stress and calms you down
Stay adjusted, by keeping your spine moving you are keeping you nervous system healthy, and a healthy nervous system keeps the immune system strong
So instead of getting caught up in the “flu season” this year, take the right steps to stay healthy instead! Call us and set up your family's appointments today!