Supplements Shop

The Healthy Way

Ask The Expert

Mesotherapy

Chelation Therapy

Weight Loss

Longevity

EIS system

Tell A Friend

New Patient Form

Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, December 08, 2008

Health During the Holidays

Q: I am a Type A Personality. Often stressed about getting things done right...I get particularly stressed out over the holidays because I want my kids, husband and extended family to have an amazing Christmas. For the past 3 years in a row I have been getting a cold or flu right after Christmas leaving the rest of my holiday to spend in bed. How can I stop this from happening this year?

A: You partially answered your own question. Being stressed out causes your immune system to wear down and that automatically makes you vulnerable to the viruses that are so prevalent in the environment in winter months.

The winter months present plenty of opportunities for viruses to spread. Chilly weather keeps more of us indoors at the same time, and the holiday season brings together family members of all ages. Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones. So it's wise to make a habit of washing your hands and to teach children to do the same. This helps you prevent spreading respiratory infections and picking them up from someone else.

The CDC recommends regular scrubbing of your hands with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds. Touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with contaminated hands makes it easy for cold and flu viruses to enter the body.

Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help the immune system better fight off the germs that cause illness. Smoking interferes with the mechanisms that keep bacteria and debris out of the lungs, those who use tobacco or who are exposed to second hand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers.

If you've been feeling run down, some stress management might not be a bad idea. I suggest you stop worrying so much about others and take a minute to take care of yourself. I am sure your family would appreciate having a healthy you during X-mas. To start with, make sure you drink plenty of warm fluids throughout the day. Herbal tea with some natural honey may be a good energy boost and will keep you well hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which will dehydrate you and may leave you more vulnerable to infections. As a precaution take some vitamins and stress support extracts. You could take a ginseng formula as an anti-stress support. Ginseng, known as an adaptogen herb, helps your body adapt to the effects of stress and also boosts immune system. A simple Vitamin C supplement taken 3-4 times throughout the day will also make sure your immune system is kept at an optimum level. There are many other options for supplements, but if you keep it simple, you will not be stressed out about what to take.

All The Healthy Way articles:

Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist