5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season

It's that time of year again- sniffles are abounding, and we see many people suffering from sore throats and congestion. Here are 5 ways to help you stay healthy this year:

1 Boost your immune system.

Our bodies are amazing, and have the ability to fight off disease, but there are things we can do to help our bodies. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, to get vitamins and minerals. High anti-oxidents like berries can help our bodies beat back the germs. One of my favorite preparations, which I swear by, is Elderberry syrup. This is the recipe we use:

• ⅔ cup elderberries
• 3½ cups of water
• 2 Tablespoons fresh or dried ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon cloves or clove powder
• 1 cup raw honey

Instructions

1. Pour water into medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves (do not add honey!)
2. Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half. At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
3. Discard the elderberries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.
4. When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint sized mason jar or 16 ounce glass bottle.
5. Take a tablespoon every couple of hours when you are sick, and it'll knock the socks off it!

2. Keep air filters and ducts clean

Air moves through our homes on average 70 times a day when we are using our heating and cooling system. That means everytime we cough, sneeze, talk and blow our nose, those germs end up cycling through the air system several times a day. Keeping the ducts clean helps prevent germ growth, and changing or cleaning your filters regularly will help keep those buggies from spreading!

3. Use natural air purifiers

Right now, the weather is great, and opening the windows and doors to get the fresh air in is great! Sunlight kills germs, and so ventilating our air with outside air will help get rid of the germs.

4. Clean often toughed surfaces

We often think about toilets being the dirtiest places in the house, but research shows that light switches, the tv remote, and the kitchen sink are actually some of the "germiest" places in the home. Using safe cleaners and disinfectants regularly on these surfaces is a great way to keep your home healthy. Of course, we recommend our patented Zr™ Water Cleaning Solution for your cleaning!

5. Wash your hands!

This goes without saying, but it can never be stressed enough! Wash 'em good!

Have a safe and healthy Fall!