There's Plenty Of Summer – And Summer Cold Virus – Left
Your family doctor wants you to live the healthiest, most active life you can live.
That's why your family medical practice wants you to do what you can to avoid catching a “summer cold” before this summer passes by.
With a good third of the summer yet to come – and with warm weather usually lingering even longer – there's plenty of “fun in the sun” still to be had out there this year… and your family doctor doesn't want you to miss out on your favorite summer activities because you've been bitten by the cold bug.
Folks tend to travel for vacation this time of year… and exposure to new and exciting people during your travels can also expose you to whatever airborne pathogens those people may be carrying around.
Also, as the kids go back to school, families become more vulnerable to whatever's going around the neighborhood, as the kids reconnect with their classmates.
And then there are those pesky allergens floating around out there, often bringing reactions that carry similar symptoms to a summer cold and therefore “masking” what's really ailing you.
So how can you stay healthy long enough to enjoy the rest of the warm-weather activities you love?
You Can't Guarantee Avoidance Of A Summer Cold…
… But you can put the odds much more in your favor if you follow your family doctor's common-sense advice for avoiding illness.
- Wash up… and make sure the kids do, too. Washing your hands thoroughly, especially in public places where the cold-causing rhinovirus could be lurking unseen, is an easy and effective way to reduce your risk of summer cold infection.
- Focus on your daily health habits. Eat nutritious, natural foods… exercise regularly… stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and take your supplements. These are great ways to help your body's natural immune-system defenses stay strong enough to keep the cold bug away.
- Stay away from sick people. This seems like a no-brainer, but many people living an active outdoor lifestyle may feel like they won't be vulnerable to colds in the way others are. But hanging out with someone you know is sick certainly doesn't improve your odds of avoiding coming down with a cold.
These simple, common-sense practices can keep you away from the clinic this summer… and nothing would make your family doctor happier!
If You Catch Cold, Do What You Can To Make It Milder (And Shorter)
The same health habits that help you avoid a cold can also work to reduce the duration and severity of the illness if you do happen to come down with the virus.
Sleep more, and drink more water, than you usually do.
Anything you can do to help your immune system battle the virus is a plus. Some supplements, such as zinc, vitamin C, and iron, can help boost your body's natural defenses.
Some herbal supplements have also helped folks recover more quickly from a cold… try echinacea, elderberry, and garlic.
Above all, when you have a summer cold, take it easy for a few days. Preserve your energy for the battle… let your body's immune system do its work.
A summer cold doesn't have to leave you cold this summer. Your family doctor's common-sense advice can help you avoid a cold, and help you cut it short if you do catch one. The doc wants you having fun in the sun…. not a bummer in the summer!
