Simple tips on how you can beat the flu this winter

(ARA) - Now that the flu season is well underway you want to protect your family and yourself as much as possible, especially when your children's classmates continue to miss school and your co-workers are still calling in sick.

Lifestyle choices will play a role in how well you cope with the rest of the flu season, says Dr. Woodson Merrell, chairman of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center and technical advisor to Boiron. He shares some of his tips on how to how avoid getting sick and what measures to take if you do experience the flu or flu-like symptoms:

* Get plenty of sleep: Between seven and eight hours of sleep each night are recommended. You need sleep to give your body energy to protect it from viruses.

* Stay active: Incorporate moderate exercise into your daily routine - take walks, work out at a gym or attend an aerobics class - again, to give your body energy and strength. Avoid strenuous exercise though when feeling ill.

* Drink water: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dr. Merrell recommends drinking five to six glasses of water or other non-caffeinated beverages every day.

* Skip junk food: By eating a healthy and balanced plant-based diet, which is naturally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, you're giving your body plenty of nutrients to help keep flu symptoms at bay.

* Use hand sanitizer, either alcohol- or thyme-oil based: Wash your hands thoroughly - especially before meals - and use hand sanitizers to combat germs when soap and water aren't available. Keep a bottle in your purse, at your desk at work or any place else it's easily accessible.

* Take quick action to nip flu-like symptoms in the bud if you start to feel run-down with a headache, body aches, chills or fever. Oscillococcinum or Oscillo is a natural flu medicine that has been shown in studies to shorten both the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset. Since Oscillo is homeopathic, it has no side effects like drowsiness or sleeplessness, doesn't interact with other medications and is safe for anyone 2 years and older.

By being proactive, your family has a much better chance at staying healthy and making the most of wintertime activities.

Courtesy of ARAcontent