Wouldn't it be great if there was a magic recipe for avoiding colds and the flu? Although your doctor and Giant Eagle^® pharmacist have some help for you, the healthy living side of the equation is up to you. The old but still-current advice is to practice healthy lifestyle habits: get enough sleep, exercise to keep your metabolism performing at peak level and eat for health. There is a renewed emphasis on keeping your hands clean — critical in an age where people share phones, handheld devices, computers and toys.

As for diet, there are some foods that may boost our immune factors. And a daily supplement can be like an insurance policy, especially if your appetite is small or your medications or lifestyle compromise the nutrition you get from food.

Let's look at how some of this information translates to practical advice.

• Giant Eagle^® provides wipes in the cart area and hand sanitizer in Eagle's Nest^® for your family's protection. Hand washing or sanitizing is a basic rule for our Team Members.
• Plan for home use with liquid soap, wipes and gel sanitizers. Soap and water works but go beyond the rinse and be sure you wash thoroughly. Sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or the "ABC song" to teach children the length of time effective hand washing should take. Make it a rule to wash hands or use a sanitizing wipe before eating, after using the bathroom and after sneezing or blowing your nose! Sanitizers and wipes are good to have in your car, lunch bag, or briefcase.
• Keep healthy eating in the prescription by stocking up the pantry and refrigerator. This translates to including at least five servings of fruits and veggies as well as three servings of whole grains each day. These are foods that contain antioxidants that help your body's immune system. You may also want to try some of the yogurts, yogurt drinks and smoothies that provide some of the immune building nutrients. While you are at it, remember liquids are important for staying hydrated. Along with water, remember to get your daily requirement of vitamins C and A with 100% juices.
• Breathing the aromas and steam from a cup of tea can loosen mucus and give you a lift! Herbal teas are a great start. A squirt of fresh lemon or lime can't hurt and adds some more health benefits. And, yes, soup is on the list for helping you stay hydrated and breathing in the moisture. Chicken soup has some other health benefits but any light soup (including vegetable broth) has a similar effect. Spicy, hot foods and those with a tinge of ginger are other smells and tastes that tend to help you breathe easier!

Shopping List

Disposable hand wipes
Hand sanitizing gel
100% juices (with vitamin C), soups, tea
Fresh oranges and lemons
Smoothies or immune-boosting yogurt drinks
Supplements, as recommended by your pharmacist, doctor or registered dietitian.

Have a question for Judy about this article or need recipes for healthy living?
Send her an e-mail at nutritionist@GiantEagle.com.

September 2009