As the first chilly winds of fall blow, now’s the time to build your immunity to guard against cold and flu. Perhaps you have not realized that in a majority of cases colds can be prevented to a great degree by carrying out just a few simple measures in your everyday program.
There are some rather simple but effective measures you can take to build up and maintain your resistance at a maximum. Here are some which really work.
EXERCISE
There is absolutely nothing more important than getting out –of- doors each morning and taking a brisk walk for a mile or two. For those who live in the North, cross-country skis, or better yet, good walking shoes with a few extra clothes, provide excellent forms of winter recreation. We don’t recommend jogging when the weather is very cold, as the frosty air hitting your lungs may actually lower resistance a little. Early morning exercise helps to prevent colds and flu, as well as infections of almost every type. Your white blood count is elevated to a maximum surveillance, resisting the influx of germs.
SUNSHINE AND FRESH AIR
These are two of God’s free gifts to us to increase our resistance to disease. Along with exercise they are most important. A moderate amount of sunshine will increase your resistance to disease by increasing the action of the white blood cells, which are the soldiers of the body.
DIET
Be sure to avoid excessive holiday sweets – candies, ice cream, an extra helping of cookies or sweet dessert, even the natural ones. Excessive intake of sugar will decrease our white blood cells’ ability to destroy invaders. Even an excess of juice can be hazardous, with the refinement and concentration of the soluble nutrients, including sugar. Eat plenty of the protective foods such as vegetable, fruit and whole grains, which are high in the necessary vitamins and minerals, plus adding the needed bulk for proper elimination.
WATER
Since the kidneys play an active role, as well, in the elimination of the body toxins one should take plenty of pure water between meals. At least 8-10 glassfuls daily is considered the minimum for the best kidney function. Water is both the internal and external cleanser. Bathing is likewise important. A hot bath followed by a cold shower or a brisk cold mitten friction is a valuable tonic to increase one’s resistance to colds. Nearly everyone could benefit by a cold or cool shower as a finishing touch to a warm one, morning or evening. Also proper hand washing is an important habit that we need to develop.
CLOTHING
Proper clothing should never be neglected. Caps for men are an important prevention of heat loss arising from a scalp exposed to the elements. Keep your ears warm, too. In cold windy weather, a scarf around the neck or a high collar is also beneficial. It is essential to keep your feet warm and use a throat wrap during the night when sleeping.
VENTILATION
Open the window at least a crack at night in your sleeping room. Always be sure that there is some air circulating throughout the home. Avoid sitting in a draft where a chilly wind blows on your neck, the side of your face, or other part of your body. Yet, the influence of the crisp winter air and the freshness of a circulating breeze is a valuable aid to health and prevention of many winter –time illnesses.
VACCINES
Customarily, those who are highly at risk, such as elderly patients with emphysema, uncontrolled diabetes, or some other chronic illness, may need flu and pneumonia vaccines. At Christian Care Ministry, we regard the above hygienic remedies as far more powerful.
By practicing these suggestions you may prevent many of the common colds to which you are now subject. You may increase your resistance to other infections, as well as add to your sense of well-being. You may avoid the unnecessary loss of time, discomfort and complications which so often follow a common cold. Winning this Cold war saves money, time and trouble simultaneously.
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