First --  always wash your hands -- seems pretty simple -- but it really does decrease your risk of giving (or getting) germs.  Soapy warm water for 15-20 seconds and you are good.  If you cannot wash -- then carry the alcohol packets like Purell and use it.  Studies are now showing it is nearly as effective as plain old soap and water.

If you have to cough -- cough into your inner arm/ elbow area -- that way you won't spread the virus from mouth to hand.

Your immune system is at it's peak when all of your hormones are youthful and optimal. The two hormones which have the ultimate anti-inflammatory effect are Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone.  Actually we call the Human Growth Hormone (or HGH) the "healing hormone" in adults due to the incredible healing effects.  All other hormones need to be balanced and optimal.  Interestingly we now also know that optimal thyroid function has a very good impact on lessening the frequency of upper respiratory inections.  Day to day I see patients with poor thyroid function and they usually complain of frequent colds and sinus problems.

Nutrients and Diet are important.  The plant based diet which ensures at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables can provide you with those high antioxidants we all need.  Did you know that a bowl full of fresh blueberries has an  antioxidant rating 1000 times more than 1 gram of Vitamin C?  Organic fruits and vegetables preferably from a local market and grown locally are your best bet.  The less they are cooked -- the better.  Snack on pecans, almonds or walnuts. If you can't eat enough raw foods then consider green supplements like BEST Fibersol.  It is vital to take your multivitamin -- I like to recommend an excellent product called BEST Multi-Vitamin and Mineral.  Take 3 capsules twice daily with food for routine maintenance.  If you are sick -- or just starting to feel ill--bump it up to 4 in the AM and 4 in the PM.  And don't forget Vitamin D3 -- I recommend BEST D3.  The normal dose is 5,000 to 10,000 units daily with food BUT at the very start of an illness take more!  I recommend an intense 3 day regimine where you take 50,000 units daily -- 5 capsules in the morning and 5 capsules with dinner.  It will decrease your risk for getting sicker!!

Pace yourself for the holidays.  This is the time when we are the most stressed!  But plan for "me time" and make sure to go slow and relax through the holidays.  Have fun and don't worry about the drunk Uncle at Thanksgiving or the whining Great Aunt at Christmas.  Focus on you first and enjoy the holidays.

Have massages, do yoga, take naps and get lots of sleep.  If someone asks what you want for the holidays tell them gift certificates for massage, spa treatments, meditation classes and so on. Stress and lack of sleep increase your cortisol which puts more demands on your adrenal glands.  The cortisol in the short term helps us but chronic increases in cortisol coupled with a poor diet and poor supplements will inevitably result in you getting a weaker immune system and you are likely to get sick.

If you would like more specific recommendations for overall optimal health and wellness and if you are considering making the New Years resolution to get healthy and in-shape -- call today to start the BEST Program.  Call (954) 627-9118.

Happy Holidays!