You don't want to get sick and I don't want to get sick so I'm gonna tell you how to best avoid the flu. I've numbered these in order of importance.
1. Get a flu shot. This is the greatest step in flu prevention, but it is not the only one and does not guarantee that you will not catch the flu. This step is especially important if you have a weak immune system, have long term breathing problems, or are a senior citizen.
2. Wash your hands often. Wash before you eat and after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. Use a Kleenex and throw it away right after you are done. Even if it is only allergies act as though you are contagious. If there is not soap and water available then use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
3. Stay home if you are sick. Stay home until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours without taking Tylenol or other fever reducers. You can spread the flu from 1 day before you have symptoms to 5 days after. If your child is sick, then you are carrying the germs with you. Be considerate of others and keep the germs confined.
4. Be mindful of what you touch, in fact, don't touch it if possible. Try not to touch your face (that's especially hard to do when you're thinking about it) because that is the easiest place for flu germs to infect. Handrails, door knobs, money, counter tops, and shopping carts- they are all very, very dirty. If you do touch a public surface, go back to #2.
For more info about how to tell if you have the flu and what to do about it visit the Centers for Disease Control's flu page.
Showing posts with label flu shot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flu shot. Show all posts
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday Tips!
Here are this Tuesday's tips, if there is a topic that you would like to hear about specifically just leave me a comment!
If you do not have insurance (or are not using it), called "self-pay patient", then you can usually negotiate a cheaper rate for services. This is because health care providers, especially hospitals, inflate their fees. They do this because they have a "deal" worked out with insurance providers to give them a "discount". Just tell them you are paying for the service yourself and ask for a discount. I recently got $30 knocked off of an $100 office visit for my son because our insurance hadn't kicked in yet.
Get your flu shot! Yes, it's already that time. You want to get it early because it takes two weeks to fully protect you. You cannot get the flu from the shot, the virus is already dead and cannot infect you. However, your body will be working hard to make extra antibodies to protect you and you may need more rest and protein to help it along.
Since we've all started once again venturing outside, be sure to stay hydrated. It's tempting in the "cooler" weather to not drink so much. The thirst sensation often feels like hunger, so many of us eat when we are really thirsty. Be sure to drink before, during, and after all activity. You probably don't need to drink a sports drink, unless you are at a 3 hour football practice or other very long, strenuous activity. Your body stores plenty of electrolytes and those drinks have lots of calories. If your urine is pale yellow to clear then you are drinking enough; the darker it gets the more you need to drink. You can also weigh yourself before and after your workout and drink 20-24 fl. oz. for every pound of weight that you have lost during your workout.
Eat a breakfast high in protein and low in carbs and sugars. It will jump start your metabolism while giving you enough real fuel to get to lunch without becoming tired and hungry. Breakfast burritos or quiches are good options. Eggs are a wonder food- great for you and quick to prepare!
If you do not have insurance (or are not using it), called "self-pay patient", then you can usually negotiate a cheaper rate for services. This is because health care providers, especially hospitals, inflate their fees. They do this because they have a "deal" worked out with insurance providers to give them a "discount". Just tell them you are paying for the service yourself and ask for a discount. I recently got $30 knocked off of an $100 office visit for my son because our insurance hadn't kicked in yet.
Get your flu shot! Yes, it's already that time. You want to get it early because it takes two weeks to fully protect you. You cannot get the flu from the shot, the virus is already dead and cannot infect you. However, your body will be working hard to make extra antibodies to protect you and you may need more rest and protein to help it along.
Since we've all started once again venturing outside, be sure to stay hydrated. It's tempting in the "cooler" weather to not drink so much. The thirst sensation often feels like hunger, so many of us eat when we are really thirsty. Be sure to drink before, during, and after all activity. You probably don't need to drink a sports drink, unless you are at a 3 hour football practice or other very long, strenuous activity. Your body stores plenty of electrolytes and those drinks have lots of calories. If your urine is pale yellow to clear then you are drinking enough; the darker it gets the more you need to drink. You can also weigh yourself before and after your workout and drink 20-24 fl. oz. for every pound of weight that you have lost during your workout.
Eat a breakfast high in protein and low in carbs and sugars. It will jump start your metabolism while giving you enough real fuel to get to lunch without becoming tired and hungry. Breakfast burritos or quiches are good options. Eggs are a wonder food- great for you and quick to prepare!
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