Here’s what the doctors and nurses on the WebMD website have to say: “Wash your hands!”
It’s that simple. Clean your hands often and wipe down surfaces. You might be surprised where those flu germs are “hanging:” on banisters, on doorknobs, on railings, on shopping carts (!) They are everywhere.
Doctors tell you to wash your hands often. “I wash my hands or use hand sanitizer before and after every patient,” says Dr. Christopher Tolcher, a Los Angeles pediatrician—sometimes 40-50 times a day.” On the news today in Wichita, a healthcare provider was not buying the hand sanitizer spritz at all. “It just won’t do the job,” this woman had to say. “You’ve got to wash those hands with soap and warm water!” She especially cautioned young mothers and dads who change their babies’ diapers. Sounds like a no-brainer, she said, but you’d be surprised. Again, “Wash those hands!”
The WebMD sight had this directive: “I try to wash for 20 seconds–sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to myself twice,” says Nancy Hughes, MS, RN, director of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health in Silver Spring, Md. She’s also careful after she washes. “I use a paper towel to dry my hands and to turn off the faucet, especially in public bathrooms.”
So, what else can we do? GreenAcres suggests these cold and flu formulas if those old bugs come a’calling:
- Elderberry Concentrate – a GreenAcres staple manufactured in Mulvane, KS, by Wyldewood Cellars and sold in all eight of our Midwest stores, is always a go-to remedy before and after the flu season hits. When noses start to run, we sell about 600 bottles a month. Our customers swear by it, and now the concentrate is certified Kosher and the shelf life extended to two years.
- Source Natural’s Wellness Formula – designed to support the immune system when under physical stress, contains a powerful combination of herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals formulated to boost your well-being. It is uniquely effective because it addresses systems, not just symptoms.
“Wellness is a Bio-Aligned Formula™ that goes deep to the root cause of body system imbalances. It is expertly designed to support interlocking components of the immune system, including mucous membranes, cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity. It also addresses interrelated body systems that impact winter health: antioxidant defense, stress response, and the respiratory system.”
- North American Herb & Spice Oil of Oregano P73 – a blend of edible species of wild oregano grown in natural mineral-rich soils. Chemical and alcohol free and ideal for human consumption. Oreganol P73 can be used either internally or topically, safe for everyday use.
Other brands to look at: Sovereign Silver Hydrosol Nasal Spray – an immune builder, works magic on stopped-up nasal passages. Paired with a netti pot, even those with chronic sinusitis have found great relief.
Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies, Solaray Vitamin C 1000, American Health’s Ester-C 1000 and Nature’s Way Organic Sambucus Zinc Lozenges.
So there you have a couple of GreenAcres’ suggestions for preventing and lessening the effects of winter’s colds and flus. To have a more in-depth look at some of our suggested supplements, liquids and lozenges, drop any of our stores and ask our supplement market team members to give you a tour of what might work for you!