The flu is sweeping across the continent this season. It's all over the media. The number of young children being infected is especially worrisome. So this issue is longer than usual as I wanted to offer more tips to help you reduce the risk to you and your loved ones.

Tip 1: Hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly after contacting surfaces used by the public. Also, pick a skin care product that will not damage the natural protective mantle of the skin (ask your dermatologist or else I can make a recommendation). Your skin is your body's the first line of defense.

If a virus does get through, then it's up to your immune system to destroy it. Hardest hit by viruses like the flu (and as we saw with SARS) are children, the elderly, and the sick. This is because their immune systems tend to be weaker or more taxed than that of a healthy teen or adult. It behooves us all to take steps to bolster our bodies' natural defenses. Here are a few tips.

Tip 2: Sleep. As mentioned in the first issue, a poor night's sleep can compromise the immune system by 60%. Make sure you get adequate rest. If you need help in this area, don't take it lightly! Contact me and I'll send you some tips. You can also find tips in issue #2.

Tip 3: Exercise. In addition to all the benefits laid out in the last newsletter, regular physical exercise gets the body pumping so that it can move toxins through your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a key role in fighting off infection.

Tip 4: Stress. Avoid the trap of over committing this holiday. Laugh at life. Focus on fun, friends and family rather than material things. And perhaps most importantly, practice the freeing habit of forgiveness.

Tip 5: Eat right. Eating properly can be especially challenging this time of year but you can still have just as much fun while limiting portions, snack foods, alcohol and desserts. In fact, you may have more fun because you'll feel healthier and more vital!

Tip 6: Use supplements. Nutritional supplements can help you fill in those daily nutritional gaps (and we all have them). Your body simply can't function properly without sufficient quantities of vitamins and minerals. You can give your immune system a great boost by using quality antioxidants, "green foods", and certain mushrooms. Specific strains of mushrooms like reishi and cordyceps sinensis work similarly to Echinacea but are far more effective. They have been scientifically shown to help eliminate bacteria, boost white blood cell counts, and even slow tumour growth. A well-researched 14 mushroom blend is what I use.

If you have any concerns about your health and would like more tips or specific product recommendations, don't hesitate to contact me.

Wishing you a safe and happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas...

At Your Service,
Rob VH

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		Please feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone: robvh@wellness5.com Robert Vanden Heuvel • Tel: 403-870-9032