With an flu season almost upon us and a variety of viruses sweeping the globe, keeping yourself and your family healthy can be challenging.
In the beginning of September, the D-68 respiratory virus swept through several states. Oakland County Health Division Manager Kathy Forsley said there are confirmed cases in the county.
Several hospitals in the state have also reported an increase in respiratory infections, and the flu season could start as early as this month.
Forsley recommended getting the flu shot as soon as possible, and said a stronger vaccination with a higher dose to protect from the flu is available for senior citizens.
Each year before the flu season rolls around, health researchers create a vaccination based on strains circulating in the southern hemisphere. Each season varies in terms of severity of the virus and length of the season.
The flu season commonly begins in October and can last through May , with the season peaking in January and February.
While getting a flu vaccination may be towards the top of health officials list, others believe practicing good nutrition and taking vitamins and supplements is the key to sustained health.
Cindy Crandall, a nutritionist and owner of Nuview Nutrition in Clarkston, said digestive health is important, as well as taking various vitamins and supplements.
‘To stay healthy we need to make sure there are six to seven kinds of flora or bacteria present in the stomach,? Crandall said. ‘Making sure you are properly digesting and absorbing food is also important. Belching or bloated indicates you do not have good gut function.?
Making sure your body is nutritionally balanced is also a key to good health.
A blood test by a physician can tell a patient if they are low on minerals and vitamins. Michigan residents are often low on Vitamin D because we are a northern state and sometimes suffer sun deficiency.
Crandall also recommends taking a good multi-vitamin, and consuming supplements like zinc, garlic and mushrooms.
Garlic, which should be taken in pill form, fights off fungus and bacteria. Reishi and shitake mushrooms, as well as onions are also good to put in your system.
Crandall advises to keep health by drinking a lot of water. Consuming Matcha Green Tea, is good because it naturally boosts the immune system.
Eating a diet rich in whole foods and low in sugar is also important to good health.
The old tried and true practices are the biggest preventer of illness:
? Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap;
? Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth with your hands;
? Regularly disinfect frequently touched objects;
? If you are sick, stay home from work and school
? Avoid close contact, and sharing stencils, with people that are ill.
? Cope healthily with stress. Stress can lower you immune system.