Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.
To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.
The Frugal Roundup
How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)
Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)
Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)
Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)
40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)
Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)
5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance
. . . anyone else notice an allergic reaction in your dogs”
Yep. My dog has recently been having problems with extreme itching, to the point it was worrying me. It isn’t fleas (she’s on Frontline) and I bathe her often enough.
So, on a hunch I decided to make her food. I did this during the China dog food scare a few years ago.
I had a deer leg bone in the freezer, and mixed it with cereal, rice, green beans. I also give her fish oil and some Glucosime (sp) in her food, since she is 12 years old and I have noticed her hips/joints are having problems.
She has been on the wild game diet for more than a week, and the scratching stopped. She really enjoyed the deer bone (I baked it for a short time, then cut the meat off and let her have the bone). The bone is good for her teeth and gums.
I was telling her a short time ago, as she lay on the couch looking so . . . deprived . . . how lucky she is to have a Mommy who makes her wild game dinners.
There's no telling what a six pack would get one in trade.
And if you can make beer, you're just a couple of steps away from 'shine.
I'd put back some sheet copper and copper tubing if you're thinking about that. Plans for stills are all over the 'net.
IN the 1970s I read the book “Where the Lillies Bloom.” I think it was a true story, about kids surviving near the Great Smoky Mountains (today a national park) after their parents had died.
They used onion baths to cure flues.
http://www.witn.com/news/headlines/65894837.html
Updated: 5:53 PM Oct 24, 2009
FBI Joins Search For Missing Va. Tech Student
The FBI has now joined the search for a Virginia Tech student who vanished a week ago outside a Metallica concert.
Posted: 11:45 AM Oct 24, 2009
continues with full story........
Thanks for the tip, I read some reviews about WHERE THE LILLIES GROW, and plan to get a copy from the library - sounds like a good read.
http://www.witn.com/news/headlines/65878162.html
Updated: 5:35 PM Oct 24, 2009
NC Changes Welfare Requirements
North Carolina’s Work First welfare program will begin requiring adults to work before they receive monthly benefit checks.
continued......
UNDIAGNOSED DEATHS, CANINE - USA (02): (WISCONSIN)
**************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
******
[1]
Date: 23 Oct 2009
From: Cynda Crawford
CrawfordC@vetmed.ufl.edu
In my opinion, the leading differential for the deaths of the 6
greyhounds in a track kennel in Keosha, Wisconsin, is infection with
_Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus_. The circumstances and clinical
signs are very similar to that observed in racing greyhounds that
died of _Strep zoo_ infection in a kennel in England in February 2008
(see the March and April 2008 editions of the Veterinary Record ).
In addition to racing greyhounds in the U.S. and U.K., _Strep zoo_
has caused the deaths of kenneled dogs in animal shelters in at least
5 states (Nevada, Florida, Wisconsin, New York, and Pennsylvania) since 2007.
—
Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD
Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida
Gainesville FL
[The article Dr. Crawford references is Simon J. R. Adams, Peracute
haemorrhagic pneumonia syndrome in dogs,Vet Rec. 162: 599-b-600-b].
Another article of interest may be: M. K. Kim, H. Jee, S. W. Shin, B.
C. Lee, B. Pakhrin, H. S. Yoo, J. H. Yoon, and D. Y. Kim “Outbreak
and control of haemorrhagic pneumonia due to _Streptococcus equi
subspecies zooepidemicus_ in dogs” Vet Rec., Oct 2007; 161: 528 - 529. - Mod.TG
******
[2]
Date: 23 Oct 2009
From: Jimmy McLaughlin
jmcl2@eircom.net
Has lung worm or dirofilaria infestation been discounted?
—
Jimmy McLaughlin
jmcl2@eircom.net
[Oftentimes in the USA the dirofilaria are referred to as Heartworms,
but the damage is actually in the lungs and some may have learned
this as the lung worm. While some of the signs do fit the infection
of dirofilaria, one wonders if there would be such a high number of
animals affected at essentially the same time. - Mod.TG]
[see also:
Undiagnosed deaths, canine - USA: (WI) RFI 20091023.3642]
....................tg/ejp/mpp
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.4584/pub_detail.asp
[hidden links contained in article]
October 22, 2009
Is Our Food Supply Vulnerable to Terrorism?
Jim Kouri, CPP
Imported food makes up a substantial and growing portion of the U.S. food supply and, considering the health and safety concerns of keeping American’s safe, Washington insiders seem oblivious to that part of protecting American citizens.
To ensure imported food safety, federal agencies must focus their resources on high risk foods and coordinate efforts, according to a report released last week by the Government Accountability Office.
The report, submitted to the U.S. Congress and obtained by the National Association of Chiefs of Police, assesses how the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are addressing challenges in overseeing the safety of imported food.
It also assesses how the FDA utilizes resources by working with other entities, such as state and foreign governments, and attempts to determine how the FDA is using its Predictive Risk-Based Evaluation for Dynamic Import Compliance Targeting system to oversee imported food safety.
U.S. agriculture generates more than $1.5 trillion per year in economic activity and provides an abundant food supply for Americans and others. There are continuing concerns about the vulnerability of U.S. agriculture to the deliberate introduction of animal and plant diseases by those wishing to harm American citizens.
“The big problem is money be spent to monitor food products being imported into the United States. So far, the budget for food safety is minimal when compared to other government programs. For example, politicians push for vaccinating millions of Americans against what they characterize as a deadly flu epidemic, yet they do not seem concerned over a very real threat to all Americans – contaminated food,” said political strategist Mike Baker.
Federal agencies also have been conducting vulnerability assessments of the agriculture infrastructure; have created networks of laboratories capable of diagnosing animal, plant, and human diseases; have begun efforts to develop a national veterinary stockpile that intends to include vaccines against foreign animal diseases; and have created new federal emergency coordinator positions to help states develop emergency response plans for the agriculture sector. However, the United States still faces complex challenges that limit the nation’s ability to respond effectively to an attack against livestock.
CBP, FDA, and FSIS claim they have taken steps to address challenges in ensuring the safety of the increasing volume of imported food. For example, CBP maintains that the system importers use to provide information to FDA on food shipments; FDA electronically reviews food imports and inspects some foreign food production facilities to prevent contaminated food from reaching U.S. shores; and FSIS employs an equivalency system that requires countries to demonstrate that their food safety systems provide the same level of protection as the U.S. system.
However, gaps in enforcement and collaboration undermine these efforts. First, CBP’s computer system does not currently notify FDA or FSIS when imported food shipments arrive at U.S. ports, although efforts are underway to provide this information to FDA for air and truck shipments.
“This is a problem we see with law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and other government entities,” claims former police detective and Marine intelligence officer Sidney Frances.
“Whenever we see multiple government agencies involved in one single function, there will almost certainly be some kind of snafu,” he added.
This lack of communication may potentially increase the risk that unsafe food could enter U.S. commerce without FDA review, particularly at truck ports. Second, FDA has limited authority to ensure importers’ compliance with its regulations. Third, CBP and FDA do not identify importers with a unique number; as a result, FDA cannot always target food shipments originating from high risk importers.
Finally, CBP faces challenges in managing in-bond shipments – those that move within the United States without formally entering U.S. commerce – and such shipments possibly could be diverted into commerce. FDA generally collaborates with select states and foreign governments on imported food safety. FDA has entered into a contract, several cooperative agreements, and informal partnerships for imported food with certain states, and some state officials told GAO that they would like to collaborate further with FDA on food imports.
However, citing legal restrictions, FDA does not fully share certain information, such as product distribution lists, with states during a recall. This impedes states’ efforts to quickly remove contaminated products from grocery stores and warehouses. FSIS has begun to make available to the public a list of retail establishments that have likely received food products that are subject to a serious recall. FDA is also expanding efforts to coordinate with other countries.
In particular, through its Beyond Our Borders initiative, FDA is pushing the U.S. government to station investigators and technical experts in China, Europe, and India, to provide technical assistance and gather information about food manufacturing practices to improve risk-based screening at U.S. ports.
According to FDA, inspectors will analyze food shipments using criteria that include a product’s inherent food safety risk and the importer’s violative history, among other things, to estimate each shipment’s risk. A 2007 pilot test indicated that the system improved FDA’s ability to identify products it considers to be high risk while allowing a greater percentage of products it considers low risk to enter U.S. commerce without a manual review.
FamilySecurityMatters.org Contributing Editor Jim Kouri, CPP is currently vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org) as well as a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he is syndicated by AXcessNews.Com.
I know that our schools have put the foaming soap (more fun, more will use) in the restrooms and every classroom has Germ-X which kids are using. However, a couple weeks ago, there were 7-9 absences in each class period. Now, it’s back down to the normal 1-2 absences.<<<
Interesting and I am so glad it is working.
Welcome to the thread, good to see you posting here, I like to see different names return and join in.
Odd that they BOTH had the same reaction so I don’t think it was from the basic grains and meat but from some additive or possible pesticide. I used to trust Purina but after this I’ll never buy it again.<<<
There was something in the news about this a couple months ago, do not recall the details.
I don’t have dogs, have in the past.
Our Samoyed was looking bad and I could not figure out why she was loosing all her hair, then one day, I saw the flea and tick collar she still had on, cut it off and she was fine.
It was a commercial flea collar, don’t recall what was in it.
a bowl of ravioli so she can have the leftovers. She also must have her green olives previously chewed and the pimento discarded (the two legged kids do this for her highness).<<<
My cats all like ravioli.
It is amazing to me and then maybe not, for there are some things that I will eat, if the sauce hides it and tastes good.
A good tartar sauce, sure helps fish.
Our rock club says never lick a green rock.<<<
I had not heard that one, but am not surprised.
The copper ore here, is high in lead, zinc and moly, so would not be wise to lick.
The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then).<<<
I remember that story.
The longer I did, the more cures that I find for onions, so they do work as a cure, and it could well mean that those chemicals would kill the flu germ.
For simple herbs such as Oregano kill germs, as does Rosemary and these have done so in real independent tests.
Would burning leaves be the same class as cut onions?
Herbs at PKDiet
Aug 14, 2008 ... I have not experienced these so I am not sure about this. .... There was a study done at Johns Hopkins where Oregano oil was ... During World War II, juniper berries and rosemary leaves were burned in hospitals of France to kill germs. ... Animal tests have demonstrated spasmolytic effects on the ...
http://www.polycysticliverdisease.com/herb.htm
- Cached - Similar
Healed by Herbs
One of the oldest recorded herbs in history, rosemary was used ... Cornell, Tennessee, and independent research have shown oregano oil to be ... found oregano oil to be effective against 30 different germs and nine different harmful food-borne microbes. There is also evidence that suggests oregano oil kills E.Coli. ...
http://www.healedbyherbs.blogspot.com/
- Cached - Similar
Several worth reading, says they work for cures:
Several to read:
• The power to quarantine an entire city and halt all travel in or out of that city.
• The power to enter any home or office without a search warrant and order the destruction of any belongings or structures deemed to be a threat to public health.
• The effective nullification of the Bill of Rights. Your right to due process, to being safe from government search and seizure, and to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination are all null and void under a Presidential declaration of a national emergency.<<<<
And this will stop the massive Tea Parties that are planned.
And he will never lift the martial law.
PEOPLE ARE WAKING UP!<<<
Too late, if he stops us dead with martial laws.
“This is a POWER Play..”
You bet it is! I can’t think of a more frightening time in the history of the US, than now.<<<
You are so right and thanks for the link, for it is indeed an important page, one we should all copy and print.
It is good to see you back.
Big hugs.
From Sept 9.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/09/swine_flu_path_to_martial_law.html<<<
Yes, that is exactly what it is and was always meant to be.
Isn’t it odd, he is so scared of the flu, that he will stop us from moving around and he goes to a different place almost hourly.
Things to Watch for During a “ Declared National Emergency “
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/16142
<<<
He is right and it is alarming to see it all in one article.
Thanks for the link
http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/onion.asp
Says not true, but it has been used a hundred years or more.
And I have a low opinion of Snopes, for I have found them twisting facts and during the clinton era, they would change anything for clinton........in my opinion.
Results 1 - 10 of about 340,000 for onions would kill the flu germ. (0.32 seconds)
Search Results
1.
snopes.com: Onions Versus Swine Flu
Oct 16, 2009 ... The 2009 outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu has brought home even to those who .... place a few onions around your home, the only likely downside would be that ... Barton, James W. “Onion Vapors Will Help Kill Harmful Germs. ...
www.snopes.com/medical/disease/onion.asp - Similar
2.
NATIONAL STEAM - ONIONS FOR PREVENTING FLU
Oct 3, 2009 ... SINCE THEY ARE BOTH KNOWN TO KILL GERMS AND USED IN ENEMA’S IN THE OLDEN DAYS ... I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD REPEL GERMS MORE THAN ANYTHING, ... I DOUBT THE DOCTOR FOUND FLU GERMS IN AN ONION BECAUSE OF THE JUICE CONTENT. ...
disc.yourwebapps.com/discussion.cgi?disc=192635;article... - Cached - Similar
3.
onions/flu at Ask Barefoot Herbalist
4 posts - 3 authors
In 1919, when the flu killed 40 million people, there was this doctor that ... It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs. .... I’ve witnessed it kill a flu virus in 4 hours; and have personally seen it kill a cold ...
curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1507954 - Cached - Similar
4.
Swine Flu Prevention at WomansDay.com - Natural Flu Prevention
Oct 9, 2009 ... According to Dr. Schaffner, disinfectant wipes can, in fact, kill the flu virus. ... He also notes that any germ-killing abilities these devices ... I would never and have never ever gotten a flu shot. ... The doctor, upon examining the onion under a microscope found the flu virus on the onion. ...
www.womansday.com/.../The-Truth-About-Preventing-the-Flu.html - Cached - Similar
5.
FLU
Despite the scary headlines, winter flu germs are preventable. ... chili peppers, onions, and curry are all good sources of phytos. ... 2½ 12-ounce cans of soda) can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40 percent. ...
www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T082201.asp - Cached - Similar
6.
Prairie Fare: Fight Flu-causing Germs with Good Hand Hygiene — Ag ...
Alcohol can kill bacteria and viruses. Effective alcohol-based gels usually contain ... Brown the meat with onions in a nonstick pan using medium heat. ...
www.ag.ndsu.edu/.../prairie-fare-fight-flu-causing-germs-with-good-hand-hygiene/ - Cached - Similar
7.
Fight Flu-causing Germs with Good Hand Hygiene - eXtension News
Aug 21, 2009 ... Fight Flu-causing Germs with Good Hand Hygiene. Last Updated: August 21, ... Alcohol can kill bacteria and viruses. Effective alcohol-based gels usually ... Brown the meat with onions in a nonstick pan using medium heat. ...
www.extension.org/.../Fight_Flu-causing_Germs_with_Good_Hand_Hygiene - Cached - Similar
8.
Walmart.com - Preventing Cold & Flu: How Doctors Keep Germs at Bay
Warm water and soap will kill the germs, but be sure you don’t rush. .... carrot, onion, and celery) might actually have a medicinal effect on the body’s ...
instoresnow.walmart.com/Wellness-Center-Article_ektid80546.aspx - Cached - Similar
9.
Playnormous Health Games : 30 Healthy Ways to Get through Cold and ...
Sep 24, 2009 ... Cold and flu season! A Playnormous fan emailed us just in the nick of ... onions and garlic can boost your immune system and kill bacteria so don’t ... Blast germs with blueberries: Get helpful antioxidants and Vitamin ...
www.playnormous.com/blog/?p=1162 - Cached - Similar
10.
PMH Atwater’s NDE News: FLU EPIDEMIC
May 10, 2009 ... So, she thought about what was readily available which would prevent ... She knew that her family had a root cellar brimming with onions from the summer harvest. ... Citrus oil (used on any surface) will kill germs, too. ...
atwaterndenews.blogspot.com/2009/05/flu-epidemic.html - Cached - Similar
[All subject titles are live links at the site:]
http://www.onlinenursingprograms.net/2009/100-healthy-hacks-to-help-you-through-cold-flu-season/
100 Healthy Hacks to Help You Through Cold & Flu Season
Sep 21st, 2009
Besides back-to-school and the holidays, the fall and winter are known for ushering in peak cold and flu season. If you want to stay healthy enough to get on with your work, school and playtime, you’ll need to prepare yourself way ahead of time. Here are 100 healthy hacks to help you through cold and flu season and avoid getting sick.
Dos
Follow this list of dos, including washing your hands, getting vaccinated and getting plenty of fresh air, and you’ll be more protected against colds and flu.
1. Wash your hands: One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands.
2. Don’t touch your face: You pick up lots of germs just by being in public or even your own house, so avoid putting your dirty hands and fingers on your face.
3. Carry antibacterial gel or wipes: Clean your hands before eating out with on-the-go antibacterial gel or hand wipes.
4. Get vaccinated: People with certain health conditions, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone around lots of people (teachers, health care providers, flight attendants) should get vaccinated for the flu.
5. Avoid crowds: At the peak of cold and flu season, avoid large crowds and packed airplanes and airports.
6. Rest when you think you’re getting sick: Give your body a chance to rest by getting enough sleep and eating right. Avoid late nights and partying.
7. Clean your desk: Clean your office space, including keyboard, mouse and any shared supplies to rid the area of germs.
8. Disinfect your house: Spray doorknobs and other public-use areas if you have roommates or house guests.
9. Stay warm and dry: Your body may be more vulnerable to germs and infections if you’re suddenly soaked in a cold rainstorm and experience a drastic change in temperature.
10. Evaluate your risk: People with chronic illnesses like AIDS or respiratory problems are more likely to get sick, so they’ll need to be extra prepared.
11. Visit a sauna: One German study found that people who went to saunas twice a week got half as many colds as those who never went to one.
12. Stay positive: Some researchers believe that the placebo effect may influence a person’s health, so try to convince yourself that you’re healthy and prepared.
13. Get fresh air: Well ventilated rooms with open windows clear and purify the air.
14. Meditate: Your body’s natural cold and flu fighters increase when you relax, so focus on something pleasant and peaceful for 30 minutes per day.
15. Go about your daily routine: Don’t become a hypochondriac or let the flu hype get out of control. Be sensible about your health.
16. Be happy: A happy state of mind can lead to a healthier body, too.
Donts
If you want to stay healthy this season, stop smoking, don’t share personal items like cosmetics, and don’t even think about putting your bag down in the bathroom.
17. Don’t get too stressed out: Stress can weaken your immune system and distract you from staying healthy.
18. Don’t carry a cloth bag: During cold and flu season, carry a leather or vinyl bag that’s easier to wipe down after trips to the store.
19. Don’t huddle indoors: This doctor and assistant professor suggests we see more colds in winter simply because we tend to huddle together indoors too much, making it easier to swap germs. Get out for fresh air and alone time.
20. Don’t share cosmetics: Mascara, eye shadow brushes, lip glosses and other personal items carry lots of germs and should not be shared.
21. Don’t use a hanky: Prevent the spread of germs by throwing away tissues immediately after you use them.
22. Don’t smoke: Smoking weakens the respiratory system, which can leave you vulnerable to colds.
23. Don’t drink after someone else: Even if you drink out of a different straw or side of the glass, there could be germs inside the drink due to backwash.
24. Don’t put your bag down in the bathroom: Hang up your bag on a public restroom hook.
25. Don’t share food: Dipping your fork or breaking off a piece of someone else’s food plate leaves you vulnerable to their germs.
26. Don’t keep the temperature too warm: Lower your thermostat just a tiny bit to keep virus germs from spreading.
27. Don’t double dip: Stay away from open dips at parties and restaurants.
28. Don’t compromise your sleep schedule: Adults need 7-8 hours per night while teens need approximately 9 hours per night.
29. Don’t drink: Limit your alcohol intake to give your body a rest and sleep better.
Diet
These foods will help keep your immune system strong while others are coughing and sneezing all around you.
30. Mushrooms: This simple food is actually packed with immune-bolstering properties.
31. Water: Water keeps you hydrated and energized and contributes to a healthy immune system.
32. Look for foods with phytochemicals: Foods with phytochemicals: dark green, red and yellow fruits and vegetables, are best when you want to boost your immune system.
33. Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits and limes are great sources of Vitamin C.
34. Green tea: Get your fill of antioxidants by drinking soothing green tea.
35. Dairy products: Dairy products contain a higher ratio of lysine to arginine, making them effective at preventing cold sores.
36. Onions: Onions work with Vitamin C to kill bacteria.
37. Spinach: Dark green vegetables like spinach are good for your immune system.
38. Balanced diet: A balanced diet will keep you healthy all year round, so make sure to get a proper amount of all nutrients from whole foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
39. Yogurt: Eating low-fat yogurt once a day may help reduce your chances of getting a cold by 25%.
40. Squash and pumpkin: These brightly colored vegetables have lots of Vitamins A and C to help your immune system.
41. Tumeric: Tumeric may help boost your immune system and can prevent inflammation.
42. Blueberries: Get helpful antioxidants and Vitamin C with blueberries.
43. Salmon: Salmon is a good source of Vitamin A and can reduce your risk of getting infections.
Staying Informed
Check out these blogs, feeds and resources to keep up with cold and flu news and updates that can help you stay healthy and prepared.
44. @CDCFlu: The Center for Disease Control has a special Twitter feed for news about the flu and tips for preventing the flu.
45. @whonews: The World Health Organization also posts updates about the flu.
46. @GetReady: This feed gets Americans ready for cold and flu season.
47. @CDCemergency: Follow the Center for Disease Control emergency feed for important flu alerts.
48. Everyday Health: Get everyday tips for staying healthy and cold and flu-free.
49. CNN Health: CNN Health has great seasonal articles about staying healthy.
50. College Health Guide: College students can turn to Revolution Health’s guide for news and tips for staying healthy.
51. Flu: Medline Plus: Medline Plus’ resource has information for identifying symptoms and staying healthy.
52. Flu/Cold/SARS News: Medical News Today briefs the public on news and tips for preventing the flu.
53. Prevention of Common Cold: WrongDiagnosis.com can give you the straight information on preventing colds.
Supplements and Vitamins
Just to be on the safe side, take these supplements and vitamins to get extra doses of Vitamin C, A, zinc and more.
54. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial to helping your immune system and preventing colds and the flu.
55. Garlic: Garlic is an age-old supplement used to prevent sickness.
56. Grapefruit seed extract: Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antiviral and antibiotic.
57. Zinc: Zinc is another supplement that can help prevent illness when taken regularly.
58. Emergen-C: While the benefits of taking Emergen-C after you start feeling rundown are still unknown, taking a regular Vitamin C supplement can keep your immune system strong.
59. Ginger: Add ginger to recipes or tea to boost your immune system.
Social Tips
You can’t help going to work or school during cold and flu season, but these hacks will make socializing less risky.
60. Wear a mask: If you’re visiting a highly infected area, consider getting a face mask to protect yourself against germs.
61. Tell your employees to stay home: Make your employees stay home when they’re truly sick instead of infecting the whole office.
62. Ask guests to wear gloves and masks: If you have a condition that makes you extra susceptible to getting sick, ask house guests to wear gloves and masks during cold and flu season.
63. Don’t get too close: If you know someone is sick, avoid them or at least avoid touching them for a few days
64. Wash your hands after leaving a public place: You know to wash your hands before eating or drinking, but make sure you wash them when you leave the restaurant, bar, park, or movie theatre too.
65. Use a paper towel to open the door of the restroom: When leaving public restrooms, use a paper towel to open the door to avoid picking up more germs.
66. Stay at home: When you’re feeling sick, stay at home to keep others healthy and speed up your recovery time.
67. Telecommute: Ask your boss if you can telecommute to work if the rest of the office is sick.
68. Have online meetings and conference calls: Use Skype and other services to host meetings online, minimizing your trips out into public.
69. Clean shopping carts: Use baby shopping cart covers and wipes to clean the handle of shopping carts.
70. Stop being touchy-feely: Whenever it’s appropriate, refrain from shaking hands, kissing and hugging.
Exercise
Regular exercise is a good defense against the cold and flu season.
71. Get at least 30 minutes a day: A solid, half-hour workout will help your immune system stay strong.
72. Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise increases the flow of oxygen and makes you sweat, helping your body fight viruses.
73. Follow the neck rule: If all of your symptoms are above your neck, you probably have a head cold and can still work out.
74. Don’t work out when you have a fever: If you have a fever, your body needs rest, not a work out.
75. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout.
76. Watch for germs at the gym: Wash your hands after using equipment and bring your own towel and mats to reduce the spread of germs.
77. Go for a walk outside: To get fresh, clean air, go for a walk or run outside instead of the damp, stinky gym.
78. Yoga: Yoga can help you prevent a cold or flu by reducing stress, increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain, and work out specific parts of the body that are tied to your immune system.
79. Stretch: Reduce stress by stretching out at your desk and before and after every exercise.
For Families
Make sure your home isn’t breeding cold and flu germs by following these recommendations.
80. Clean frequently high traffic areas: Light switches, kitchen counters, doorknobs, kitchen cupboards and alarm clocks should be cleaned often.
81. Vacuum: Pick up dust and germs by vacuuming frequently
82. Teach your kids good health practices: Teach your kids how to wash their hands, sneeze and use tissues at school and at home.
83. Use a dehumidifier: Keep your home’s humidity at 50% to prevent virus germs from spreading.
84. Change your air filters: Keep air clean and well ventilated by changing air filters every few months.
85. Monitor bed time: Children are especially susceptible to colds and flu, so make sure they get enough sleep.
86. Keep your kids at home: Keep them entertained with movies and private parties at home instead of subjecting them to all the germs in public.
87. Keep tissues all over the house: Make it easy for guests, children and every one else to find tissues when they need one.
88. Disinfect the kitchen: Your kitchen attracts lots of germs, so make sure you clean all surfaces before and after preparing food, including the sink, table, cutting boards, stove and sponges.
89. Wash toys: Wash shared toys, blankets and other items.
90. Protect toothbrushes: Keep toothbrushes covered so that they are less likely to attract germs from sneezes.
For Students
Students, including young kids and college students, are at an even greater risk for spreading and sharing germs, so follow these hacks to stay healthy.
91. Don’t pack your schedule: An overworked, stressful schedule won’t leave you enough time for adequate rest.
92. Use a tissue to open doors: Minimize the spread of germs by buffering your hand and the doorknob with a tissue.
93. Bring your own supplies: Pencil sharpeners and other public-use supplies are covered in germs.
94. Limit your hook-ups: The more you start kissing people, the more you put yourself at risk for swapping germs.
95. Sit far away from students in class: Don’t sit right in the middle of all the sick kids: stay farther away especially during cold and flu season.
96. Use disposable cups: Use plastic cups at parties and write your name on your own glass to avoid sharing.
97. Sneeze and cough into clothing: Don’t cover your face with your hands: you’ll just spread more germs.
98. Keep up with schoolwork: Make taking a sick day here and there less of an issue by keeping up with your schoolwork all semester.
99. Take a break from the library: Take your own laptop outside to reduce the germ-infested library.
100. Stick to your own personal space: It’s hard in a packed dorm room, but try to minimize contact with your roommate’s belongings as much as possible, especially if he or she is sick.
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