For those of you who have yet to visit, the clinic is up and running and looks beautiful. If you live in the Prescott area, feel free to drop in for a cup of tea and to meet Damon & Kathryn.

As winter is beginning to settle in here in Northern Arizona, it’s time to start thinking about how to stay healthy throughout the cold season. The common cold is no fun – sneezing, achy body, feeling miserable – who wants it! Even though the cold is not a major illness, it still is enough to make you feel yucky for a few days, maybe even causing you to miss work. So let us all avoid getting the common cold this year by following some easy prevention tips.

1. Good Hygiene: A very common method for transmitting the common cold is by shaking hands or touching surfaces that contain the virus. So an easy way to avoid getting the cold is by washing your hands. Ordinary soap works best – antibacterial soaps add little protection as most of the time the cold is transmitted by a virus.

2. Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants will help to keep your immune system strong and better prepared to ward off colds. Include foods such as dark colored vegetables and fruits in your diet daily. Also, be sure to add lots of colorful and warming spices, like turmeric, cayenne, garlic, and ginger (especially fresh garlic and ginger).

3. Low Stress and Active Social Life: Studies show that people who are more active in the winter and have an active social life are much less likely to get sick. Therefore, don’t let the cold and flu season keep you inside – get outside and have some fun.

4. Vitamins: It has actually now been proven that the only ones who benefit from extra vitamin C in the winter are children: it decreases their chance for getting ill with its antioxidant power. It will still help adults though if they are starting to come down with something, it just doesn’t help prevent sickness. Vitamin D may be a good addition and will boost your immune system, especially if you are deficient.

5. Hydrotherapy: A fun and easy tip to improve your chance of avoiding colds and flu during this season: end all of your showers in cool water. I say fun because it is suppose to be cold enough to make you sing ☺. Rinsing your body for 30 seconds every day in cold water not only boosts your immune system, it also gives you increased energy and vitality.

If you would like more tips to keep you healthy this season, visit our website at: www.sageshealingcenter.com or make an appointment with us for more personalized ideas.