5 Ways to Prepare for Cold & Flu Season

1) Check and stock up your herbal medicine cabinet

When you start feeling unwell, please stay home till you feel better. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with herbs/ supplements that will help reduce fever, coughs, and muscle aches. Should you panic when you have a fever? Yes and No. A fever is a sign that your immune system is working hard to fight infection. However if you start to have breathing difficulty, headaches, confusion and projectile vomiting, please go to the nearest ER.

2) Air out your house

When the weather is cold, we tend to close all our windows. However, occasional ‘airing’ of the house may be beneficial to get rid of any ‘stale indoor smell’, Burning essential oils such as lavender and peppermint will give a fresh and clean smell to your living quarters.

3) Sleep at least 8 hours nightly

Chronic insomnia weakens our immune system and make us feel irritable. Make sure you keep all electronic gadgets away from your bedroom. If you have a tough time falling asleep, try and do some meditation and avoid stimulants 1-2 hours before bed.

4) Eat immunity-boosting foods

You are what you eat. Watch how often you eat simple carbs and foods devoid of nutrition. Try and eliminate them slowly from your diet. Add at least 1-2 more nutritious foods to your meals. Make sure your plate has at least 3 vegetables of different colors.

5) Exercise

Aim to exercise daily for 30 minutes. This can be done both indoors and outdoors. Rotate between cardio, weight lifting and gentle stretches to prevent boredom and to challenge you.