Don't Get Sick This Winter!    

Yes, cold and flu season is here, there and apparently EVERYwhere....

Everyone dreads getting sick but what can be done and how can it be avoided? 

 Here are some easy tips to help you stay healthy this winter, and during

the holiday season.

During the winter months, many areas do not get much daylight and readily available nutrient laden fruits and vegetables. 

For this reason, it is essential that you make sure that you take a quality multi-vitamin.  My absolute top choice is our own: Multi75!   Take 10% off if purchased by 12/20/08, it will last 4 months, and is an excellent addition to your health program.  If you are taking another brand please be aware that most,  if not all,  OTC brands have been found to be absorbed too slowly.  If they do not break down in the stomach within 20 minutes you are not able to absorb the nutrients.

Diet wise, it is well established that sugar causes the immune system to be supp-ressed well past the time one would expect. 

For example, 4 ounces of soft drink can and will suppress the immune system for over 18 hours and at that point you are extremely vulnerable to environmental forces IE cold and flu bugs.  Do not displace healthy foods with sugar or junk foods if you want to stay healthy.

An under appreciated cause of seasonal illness is the sheer amount of sugar most people imbibe from Halloween to Christmas ( OR Hanukka), etc.

Wash your hands after having contact with people. 

Ill or not, they may be carriers of the flu or cold germs.  Washing your hands frequently is the #1 way to avoid contamination.

Rest...during the holidays most people are rushing around trying to get many things done and they lack rest and sleep and are over tired and stressed. 

Getting your customary amount of sleep or even more is essential in stimulating the immune system and fighting the pathogens that cross our paths.  If you are stressed to the max.... consider coming in for a soothing acupuncture treatment.

Additional support:

vitamin C, zinc, herbs such as garlic, ginger, mushrooms,  chinese herbs, and tonics can help temporarily boost one's immune system, the effects can lower your immune system if not done properly. 

Sometimes, you will get a bad virus due to over exposure to the elements or a combination of factors.  Come in for treatment before going to antibiotics, I have powerful formulas that can knock out the roughest virus or even stop it dead in its tracks.  I have treated severe pneumonia and bronchitis with

acupuncture many times with excellent results so no need to suffer this winter!

Sincerely,

Dr. Taryn DeCicco

Apple-A-Day-Clinic.COM

847-577-4455