HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE--COLD AND FLU UPDATE

Tim Handorf emailed us recently after reading health editor Janice Kerr’s blog post about the signs and symptoms of cold, flu, and allergies. Janice is here to tell us all about it and more. -- AP

That’s right, Anastasia. Tim wanted to let us know about an article he’d written that lists the 15 best foods to eat to strengthen your immune system and lessen your chances of experiencing a bad cold or the flu for an extended period. They are:

• garlic
• oregano
• ginger
• oats
• mushrooms
• broccoli
• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• oranges
• lemons
• elderberries
• yogurt
• honey
• oysters

To learn more about why these 15 foods are so important to staying healthy, check out his article at http://www.bestcollegesonline.net/blog/2010/15-best-foods-for-cold-flu-season/

And while we’re on the topic, have you gotten your flu shot yet? Flu vaccines were previously recommended only for young children, the elderly, and those who worked in health care or with children. However, the CDC now suggests that everyone over 6 months of age be immunized. This is because adults in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s were some of the hardest hit during last season’s flu outbreaks. This year’s vaccine will boost your immunity to three different strains of flu, plus H1N1.

Thanks, Janice! Readers, how do you take care of yourself and your family to prevent the spread of colds and flu? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be entered in our drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP