tips on how to avoid getting sick

This Polar Vortex has been insanity! This past winter has been brutal – it’s been the second coldest winter in decades!

This winter has been difficult both mentally and physically. While we’d like to think we’re winter warriors, sometimes our immune systems start to crack… especially with constant -20 C temps!

If you can recognize the telltale signs of cold and flu symptoms, you’ll be better prepared to act fast. Here are the differences between cold and flu:

Cold:

Cough
Scratchy Throat
Congestion
Runny Nose

Flu:

Extreme Fatigue
Aches and Pains
Chills
Fever
Headache

Prevention is key so make sure to read my tips on how to avoid getting sick.

If you weren’t able to avoid those nasty Canadian cold and flu bugs this winter, here are 4 tips to getting better:

1. Treatment: With ingredients like ginger and willow bark, Gravol’s® Natural Source Multi Symptom will help you kick that cold to the curb. This all-in-one pain, fever and nausea reliever won’t leave you feeling drowsy either, because we all know you’ve got a million things to do.

2. Exercise: Just as much of a preventative measure as it is a solution; don’t let sore muscles and joints stop you from being active. Bring out the triple threat – RUB A535® Triple Action Cream cools, warms and soothes to keep you going. Exercising will help your body fight the cold, improve your mood, boost your energy and help you sleep, a win-win situation.

3. Drink Fluids: Just like your parents always said, drink lots of hot liquids to soothe your throat, thin your mucus and put you on the road to recovery.

4. Vitamin C: Extra vitamin C? Try Vitafusion™ Power C™ adult gummy vitamins to up your vitamin C intake. Delicious orange flavour and yummy gummy texture will make remembering to take them the easiest thing you do today.

ENTER TO WIN

I’m giving away TWO “Winter Warrior” prize packs to help keep the whole family healthy this looooong winter. This giveaway will include the following products:

Vitafusion™ MultiVites™
L’il Critters™ GummyVites™
Vitafusion™ Power C™
RUB A535® Triple Action Cream
RUB A535® Arnica Gel-Cream
RUB A535® Arnica Spray
Gravol® Natural Source Multi-Symptom Tablets
Gravol® Kids Quick Dissolve Chewable Tablets
Gravol® Liquid Gel Capsules
Vitafusion™ T-shirt

Total Value: Approx. $100

Enter this giveaway by filling out the Rafflecopter below. Open to Canadians only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I’m working with Church & Dwight as an ambassador. Opinions here are my own.

It’s that time again! Cold and flu season is upon us. But you don’t have to fall prey to the number of viruses that seem to be everywhere this season.

Here are 8 tips to ensure that you and your kids stay healthy and fit this season.

1. Get enough sleep.

Experts say children and teenagers need at least nine of hours of sleep a night to ensure good health. A tip to ensure kids are getting enough sleep – don’t allow TVs and computers in bedrooms.

2. Wash your hands.

One of the most common ways people catch a cold is by rubbing their nose or eyes after their hand has been contaminated with the cold virus. Teach your kids to wash their hands before they eat and after they use the bathroom. If there isn’t soap and water nearby, use a hand sanitizer.

3. Cover your mouth.

Remind your kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue and dispose it. Use your sleeve (not your hands) if a tissue is not available.

4. Stay away.

Avoid contact with people affected with cold and flu. Keep children at home when they are sick so they can get better faster and avoid spreading germs to others.

5. Clean.

Clean hard surfaces frequently, including tables, desks, doorknobs, telephones, TV remotes and computer keyboards.

6. Start the day off right.

It’s true, eating a healthy breakfast gives your student a head start. Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast learn better, participate in class more often, behave better, and attend school more often. They even visit the school nurse less frequently. Take a multi-vitamin and extra vitamin C and D.

7. Brown bag it.

Send your kid off to school with a packed lunch. Healthy lunches and nutritious snacks will keep kids focused energized throughout the day.

8. Keep active.

After school and on weekends, stay active. Take a walk in the park or enjoy a family bike ride. When there is snow, enjoy a winter activity such as sledding, skating or skiing.

Others will say of course to get the flu shot — I’m on the fence about this one so I haven’t included it in my tips but something to obviously consider.

Stay healthy!