Influenza Update (THE FLU)

What is Influenza:

The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing ) system. The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms get better after 7-10 days.

The flu usually starts suddenly with: These symptoms are accompanied by:
· Fever (from 102⁰ to 104⁰) lasting 3-4 days • Dry cough
· Headache • Sore throat
· Severe muscle aches • Runny or stuffy nose
· General weakness/extreme fatigue

What to do if you have the flu:

· Avoid large crowds
· Rest in bed
· Drink lots of fluids
· Take non- aspirin pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen
· Take a flu break, go home
· If possible stay home from work, school, errands as long as you have symptoms

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu:

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol based hand gel.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
· Avoid close contact. Don’t hold, hug or kiss anyone who has a cold or the flu
· Clean things that are touched often like door handles, phones, computer keyboards and water faucets

Heart Health

Think you’re too young to worry about your heart? Think again! What you eat now affects your heart health for years to come.

What’s good? Fiber, omega – 3 fatty acids, mono and polyunsaturated fats.

What’s not so good? Cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats.

Find out how much fat you need in your diet using this tool by the American heart association:
www.myfatstranslator.com

Get Active in '09!

Looking for reasons to get active this year? How about these:

1. Less Risk of Health Problems
2. Stronger Bones
3. More Endurance
4. Trimmer Body
5. Stronger Muscles
6. Better Mental Outlook
7. Better Coordination and Flexibility
8. Injury Protection
9. Stress Relief and Better Sleep
10. Feel Younger Longer

Whatever the reason, make it a New Year’s Goal to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day.