The Dirt:
The northeast has gone from summer to winter in a heartbeat, skipping autumn and pushing straight through to windy, dark days and cold and flu season. While you attempt to survive difficult economic period and the anticipation of a vital looming presidential election, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Insufficient sleep and too much stress can tax the immune system. Here are a few steps to prevent catching the nasty cold all your coworkers are fighting. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the common cold should pass in a day or two; if they don’t consider visiting a doctor to rule out infections in the ears, lungs or a sinus infection.

The lotion companies will be happy because cold season requires frequent hand washing and then, then cream or lotion to prevent dry skin. The spread of germs and diseases passed along through not washing hands goes back to the days when doctors went from the morgue to the delivery room and eventually discovered that the high mortality rate among women delivering in the hospital was tied to germs. Especially if you take public transportation, wash your hands or use sanitizer every day when you enter work or the daycare, before you touch anything else. For a natural sanitizer, check out this alcohol alternative previously reviewed on Trendcetera.com

Eat some garlic every night. Various medical studies have examined the health properties of garlic, honing in on its abilities to fight cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute garlic also has antibacterial properties. Sure, some of the talk may be an old wives tale but then why are their garlic capsule supplement. Grab a clove and start chewing; worst case scenario you have to brush longer.

Many homeopathic products are gaining standing but we like the oral sprays from Sprayology. The allergy variety helped ease summer allergy symptoms. The company now has an extensive list of varieties to treat everything from allergies and the common cold to acne.

For extra vitamins and minerals, at the onset of a cold, try powder supplements. There are countless competitors to Airborne with proprietary blends we believe are more effective. One such brand is ZipFizz, whose own blend builds on standard vitamins and minerals with a alternative supplemental formula. These powder packets come in individual servings, are easy to transport and force more liquids. While all the soup, tea and juice might make you feel bloated, it’s worth the few days of discomfort. For a new drink, try mixing water with orange juice and heating it up.

Use the season change as a motivator to improving your diet. Stay hydrated, add soup, juices and tea, and cut your liquor and sugar intake during cold season. A healthier diet of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, both raw and cooked, offers more nutrients. Additional salt and sugar should be limited as they add little in the way of nutrition and sugar can alter mood. Don’t forget to take advantage of flu shots if your doctor recommends it.

Finally, maintain your exercise regimen. When you feel achy and fatigued the last place you want to be is the gym but a number of studies referenced on Medline say exercise improves the immune system by battling bacteria and viral infections. If you’re bored with your usual routine, try exotic martial arts such as Krav Maga, which is practiced by the Israeli army, or the Brazilian form inspired by fighting and dancing, Capoeira. Want something more calming? Try Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Feldenkrais Want something spunky? How about belly dancing or a funk dance class? Exercise and healthy eating, as well as good cleansing practices and sufficient hand washing can cut the likelihood of getting sick and encourage a better lifestyle for the long term.