Health Corner

Avoiding illness as the seasons change

As the seasons change our bodies also go through changes. When we are healthy we feel the change and it may cause us feel a little off balance, but we survive. When we are not balanced within, simply climatic changes can throw us off and cause a noticeable illness. The changing season persuades us to balance internally. Illness can always be avoided if we listen to our bodies and are willing to follow a few simple rules:

1. Drink lot of liquids all the time. Water is always going to top the health list. We are made up of so much water; we have to continue replenishing it to survive. The number one reason we get sick is we are dehydrated. Hydration creates movement. Without movement, we are stagnated and illness breeds on stagnation. Daily we should drink one ounce of water for ever 2 pounds we weigh. If you are 190, you should drink 95 ounces of water daily. So if you’ve spent your summer drinking soda and wine, this is a good time to change your “evil” ways and repent. Drink more water, tea, even some juices are ok.
2. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. When in public areas avoid touching your face between washings.
3. Fish oil (cod liver oil) helps keep your immune system balanced. When I was a child, if we showed the slightest sign of sickness, my grandmother would warm some up on a spoon, put the spoon in the back of our throat and make us swallow. We hated it so much we never wanted to be sick. As an adult, if I even start to feel like I might get sick I reach for the bottle. I might have to wash down with some good ole’ lime, like I doing a shot of Tequila but hey I take it. It works faster than going through the alternative (cold, flu, fever etc.).
4. Get lots of rest. During the summer we have lots of energy, the sun is out the birds are signing, the squirrels are playing. The summer is the time of new birth and creation. The fall is the season that prepares us for the winter. Although not as cold or dark, its movement towards it is a gentle remind of what’s to come. Winter is a time of Rest. Try not watching Television during the winter months exchange that time for reading and sleeping. There isn’t anything good on anyway. If you sleep more, you will find you can be more productive during your waking hours.
5. Act fast. When you find yourself feeling dehydrated or sluggish respond quickly. If water and rest don’t cure it, get out the good ole’ bottle of juju and take it with lime. Just be sure to do it on time and you won’t have to feel the ache of the season’s change.

In the name of the German Argonaut Arnold Kaiser “Live well and be health.”