Cold And Flus – A Heal-thy Approach

by Cari Cole

Colds, sore throats, and flu can wreak havoc with a singers’ voice. Taking extra care will help

you avoid them. The best way of course is to stay healthy with a strong immune system that can

easily destroy germs & viruses. Eating from a healthy menu and supplementing your diet with

extra nutrition like vitamins and Chinese herbs can help you avoid getting sick in the first place.

Exercising regularly and keeping your mental stress level low is equally important to having a

strong immune system. However if all that fails and it still gets you, there are some remedies

below that may shorten the duration or ward off the illness altogether.

• Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs and telephones and most importantly your microphone. Wipe lightly with hydrogen peroxide or a strong antibacterial cleaner.

• Try to live and work in well-ventilated areas. Ventilation disperses cold viruses and the fewer that get in your throat the better. Be sure to have a good air filter in your home.

• For flu symptoms (fever with sudden sore throat) keep “Oscillicoccinum” by Boiron on hand at all times (available at your local health food store and most Duane Reade’s!) . Take it as directed on the package and it will keep you from getting the flu. I use this regularly – works wonders!

• For cold symptoms keep “Cold” by Boiron on hand at all times (available at your local health food store and some pharmacies!). Take as directed on the package and it will shorten the duration and lessen the impact of the cold immediately. Can be taken at any point during the cold.

• Change your toothbrush immediately after using throughout your illness so you don’t re-infect yourself. (Use disposables or wash in the dishwasher daily)

• For sore throats gargle 3 times daily with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part Listerine and 1 part water with a dash of salt to kill off any germs. This alone most times will do the trick if you catch it early enough.