Don’t Let The Flu Take Away Your Ability to Live a Long, Happy Life……

According to the Center for Disease Control, it is possible that two billion people around the globe may contract the swine flu.  If those numbers cause you to want to run out and get the H1N1 flu vaccine for protection against the swine flu; it may not help your peace of mind to know that there is likely not going to be enough prepared H1N1 vaccine to inoculate that number of people by the time the swine flu has reached its infectious  capacity according to the C.D.C.!  However, here are some very good steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family this flu season. 

Scheduling In Healthy Habits 

• Primarily, one of the most important things you can do to prevent yourself from getting the flu is to try to maintain your body and mind in good health.  In today’s fast paced social lifestyles it becomes difficult to find time to eat right and get the rest you need; these two factors are major contributors to stress, which in turn causes your immune system to be compromised making you susceptible to illness.  I have found that preparing my work week in advance helps me to schedule in time to take care of my health, and get my work done.   As a Neothink® Society Member, I use the Mini-Day Planner.  It is a great tool for organization and accomplishing a lot in a little time.  The mini day planner, (which is now sold on the Neothink® Society Website), greatly reduces stress, as you find yourself actually feeling good when you are in control of your day; especially when you see how much you are able to accomplish without the added stress of disorganization.   

Exercise and Healthy Diet 

• You can also schedule in things like going to the gym, and taking your vitamins, so that you are able to provide your body with the exercise and the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.  Or use the mini day to organize your weekly menu by shopping for healthy foods to prepare in advance so that you can eat healthy, even on the run.  For example, I cook up a big pot of rice with vegetables once a week to use as a staple for a meal of slow cooked chicken or beef which you can put in a slow cooker in the morning before work, with some whole potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle on some sea salt, garlic, Italian seasoning; and sometimes I add a little chicken base which I have mixed in with melted butter to add tenderness and warmth. Then, when you come home your meal will be ready and waiting for you.  Just scoop in some pre-prepared rice and you’re ready for a healthy meal.  

Maintain Good Hygiene 

• Consistent hand-washing will reduce your risk of contracting the flu significantly.  And just remember to keep your hands away from your face and nose unless you have washed your hands first.  Ladies, remember this especially when applying lipstick; as once you contaminate your lipstick, even after you have gotten well, you can re-infect yourself by using lipstick you used when ill. 

Provide Nutritional Supplements 

• Supplement yourself with additional Vitamin C, (particularly if you smoke as one cigarette removes 500mg of vitamin C from your body).  I take 1000mg of vitamin C daily, aside from the vitamin C that is in my multi-vitamin.   However, a 1000mg or greater intake of Vitamin C can give you loose bowel movements.  Some people use Vitamin C as a colon cleanse; so adjust your C intake according to what works for you. 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 

• Staying well hydrated can fuel your immune system.  90% of your body is made up of and maintained with water.  Water is your fountain of youth and longevity.  Water in your body helps to carry nutrients throughout your body and also helps elimination of toxins.  Water nourishes your body at a cellular level making oxygenation of your body at the cellular level more likely.  Water also clears your complexion.    

Rest and Get Comfortable 

• Rest and Comfort.   Take care of yourself.   Give yourself time to sit and relax and calm your nerves.   Schedule in time each day to sit quietly alone with yourself to calmly relax and think about things that make you feel good about your life.  I like to go outside in my back yard and look up at the beautiful sky; I close my eyes and allow my mind to take me up into the sky like a bird as I, “in my mind’s eye”, make myself one with nature.  I always enjoy my meditation time – even if I have had a lousy day. 

Well I wish you all the health and happiness that you can schedule into your day, for each and every day of your life.   Take care of yourself; people love you and want to share in your love. 

The Undefeated Life