Health
Four Ways to Prevent the Flu By Dr. Stephanie M. Seitz, ND, MT
M
any people recognize flu season as fall and winter, but February is typically the peak of flu activity. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy, so how can we prevent getting sick? Here are a few simple steps to keep yourself well during the peak of the flu season. WASH YOUR HANDS The pandemic has shone a light on the importance of hand washing, and for good reason. Washing your hands often is the easiest and most effective way to prevent the spread of germs. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to wash your hands before and after touching your face, touching your mask, touching a surface that’s frequently touched by others and, of course, after using the restroom. Germs can live on surfaces for two hours or more, so it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol-based wipe or hand sanitizers are good alternatives.
INCORPORATE VITAMIN D According to research by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin D plays a role in reducing your likeli-
hood of developing the flu. However, most Americans are deficient in this vitamin, which can lead to rickets, poor immune system function, and risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D storages can be increased by exposure to sunlight, eating fish, egg yolks, beef liver or taking supplementation. However, you should have your blood levels checked by your physician before supplementing as too much vitamin D can be toxic and can damage your kidneys. STAY HYDRATED Staying properly hydrated can support the immune system and allow it to defend your body from viruses. Drinking at least half your body weight in water in ounces is a great way to stay hydrated which enables your body to fight off the flu. It will also help improve your quality of sleep, cognition and mood. If you have a hard time drinking enough water, consider adding your favorite fresh fruit to the water to provide flavor or a marked water bottle to give you goals to hit throughout the day. EAT A HEALTHY DIET Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help support the immune system by providing your body the central nutrients it needs to function properly. The immune system protects the body from infection, so giving the im-
mune system the power it needs to defend the body can help keep you healthy during the flu season. The flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets that are produced when speaking, sneezing, or coughing like the coronavirus. Adding these steps in addition to CDC guidance to prevent the spread of coronavirus, like wearing a mask and social distancing, will help keep you healthy through the end of flu season. Dr. Stephanie Seitz, ND, MT with Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences has extensive training in a variety of treatment modalities including homeopathy, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and acupuncture.
T Music Therapy & Music - Related Services
Where Music Meets Health • Dementia Disorders • Medical Issues
• Neurological Disorders
• Emotional Issues
• Rehabilitative Issues
• Hospice/End-of-Life Issues
• Special Needs
• Palliative Care
• Wellness and Prevention
Website: www.desertsoundsofwellness.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/desertsoundsofwellness
Teri Mock, MA, MT-BC
Master Prepared Music Therapist
(602) 386-7979 Email: tlcmock1@cox.net 18 • February 2021 • SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS
here is no shame in admitting this pandemic has caused anxiety and depression. What was once believed to only be a two-week bump in the road has now become a life altering worldwide event. Isolation has created depression, loneliness and frustration. Constant worry and stress has developed into physical illness. We all work hard to combat these issues as best we can. At times many of us have turned to therapy in a bottle. In fact, studies show that medication prescriptions have spiked 34% over the past year alone. This does not have to be you! Music therapy is a proven scientific treatment to improve your health and overall well-being. Listen to what just a few of our patients’ loved ones have to say: “My autistic son has been working with Teri Mock for over six years now and I
❣ cannot express how pleased we are with the therapy our son receives.” – Jim S. ❣
“Teri was incredible. She quickly developed a rapport with my mother, who has mid-stage Alzheimer’s. Being skeptical at first, the results of music therapy were amazing – we saw positive results after the first session.” – Davyd J.
❣
“Teri has been providing music therapy for my special needs son since 2015. It’s difficult enough to get a typical teenage boy to communicate, let alone one with ASD, yet Teri has successfully accomplished this with my son.” – Jodi S.
Desert Sounds of Wellness and Teri Mock have been bringing a shining bit of hope to people just like you throughout the Valley for over 24 years. She and her staff thrive on results they see in young and old alike. Teletherapy sessions are available virtually through their HIPAA compliant platform. For those who feel that therapy is unnecessary, you too can gain the inherent benefits of music through musical study. Desert Sounds of Wellness offers students of all ages piano, guitar, and voice lessons through their virtual online platform. Reach out for your evaluation or lesson today. There is no better time than now to take back your life.
myhyperlocalnews.com
