One of my favorite things to do is hiking at the Metro parks with my golden retriever, Bella.  I'm so surprised at how many people avoid the outdoors during winter. Many people believe that cold, snow and winter means catching the flu.  

It’s simply, not true!

Our bodies have an amazing system designed to naturally fight colds and flu, it’s called the immune system. People only get sick if their immune system is weak.  People don’t get sick simply because they were exposed to a virus. The best way to prevent the flu is to keep your immune system strong. There are lots of easy, inexpensive ways to do this.  I’ve compiled my Top 5 list for you.

5 Must Do's to Prevent the Flu

5. Garlic – eat lots of fresh crushed garlic (two to three cloves per day). The key ingredient in garlic is allicin. Crushing the garlic releases/activates the viral fighting properties. Try it in your soup or sprinkled in your salad.     

4. Vitamin D – get it! Most “Northerners” are deficient in Vitamin D. Studies have shown Vitamin D can increase the virus killing cells in your body. Look for a Vitamin D3 and remember not all supplements are created equal so be careful in choosing the right brand.  

3. Wash Hands – with good old fashioned soap and water (60 seconds).  Antibacterial soap, contrary to public belief, does not to a better job and in fact could be aiding more resistant strains of bacteria. 

2. Moisture – the flu virus thrives in a dry environment. So make sure you create an environment it will not want to live. A humidifier in your home will help to keep moisture in the air at the proper levels. Also, prevent your nasal passages from drying out by using plain saline spray or lining your nasal passages with a moisturizing product.

1. Chiropractic Adjustment -  A significant study by Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University, has shown chiropractic patients have a 200 percent greater immune competence than people who have not received chiropractic care. 

Don't be afraid of illness in winter. There is a way to go the whole season and not get sick! So, get out there and enjoy the season, just like me and my sweet golden retriever, Bella.

If you have any questions regarding this blog, to learn about more ways to stay healthy or to give me your suggestions for future blogs, please call 810-494-1900 or visit www.HOHchiro.com.