3 minute read
Keeping Your Immune System Strong
keeping your Immune System strong... by Hepsharat Amadi, MD
The weather will soon be getting cooler and more gatherings of people will be held indoors. This is typically the time when more respiratory viruses will be circulating. Here are some tips on keeping your immune system strong:
1) Limit or avoid sugar. Sugar cuts down on white blood cells' ability to engulf and kill germs and it is dose-related: the more sugar that is ingested, the fewer germs each white blood cell can kill. 2) Make sure to get enough sleep! Sleep strengthens the immune system and is necessary for the body to repair itself. The days are naturally shorter in the fall and winter and we should take our cue from nature and go to bed earlier. 3) Keep doing some daily exercise. Exercise enhances our circulation and enables our white blood cells and antibodies to reach the germs that they are designed to target. In addition, exercise helps us manage our stress, which is really important in order to have a strong immune system. 4) Eat foods that contain beta carotene. These are generally orange in color, like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and other squash. 5) Eat foods that contain vitamin C. Good examples of these are the citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit. Vitamin C inhibits the replication of viruses and strengthens the connective tissue. 6) Dress appropriately for the weather and drink warm liquids like herbal teas. 7) Be mindful of your food consumption during the holidays. Don't overdo and try to leave at least 3 hours between your last bite of food and when you go to bed. This will improve your digestion and help prevent the weight gain that often accompanies the major holidays.
www.dramadi.com
eco-conscious Cleaning by Diane Parnell
“I am a geek when it comes to cleaning,” laughs Deanna Onozuka, owner of Coastline Cleaning Co. in San Luis Obispo. “I constantly study the field of cleaning, read articles, and test new products.”
Onozuka, who started her business in 2009, attributes her success to being dependable, honest, and trustworthy, as well as the personal attention she gives to her clients. Using eco-conscious materials, and learning about biohazard materials and infectious disease helps keep her clients safer. She engages in continuing education on best practices for cleaning, and gets certified each year through ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association that has the highest standards in the industry. “I love the service industry. I enjoy getting to know my clients, and customizing their cleaning needs, and have become friends with many of my clients,” Onozuka says.
Her passion for cleaning extends to volunteer work through communitybased environmental projects such as the annual ‘Creeks to Coast’ cleanup sponsored by ECOSLO. Onozuka believes that keeping healthy and fit allows her to do her job so well. “It is the most important aspect of my job,” she says. “By taking care of myself, I can take good care of my clients.”
COASTLINE CLEANING CO. Always Eco-Conscious Deanna M. Onozuka 805.400.5433 PO Box 13508, SLO 93406 Commercial Professional Office Post Construction Residential
HIPAA Compliant
the Luffa farm
What makes sponges from The Luffa Farm unique? Luffas grown and harvested at The Luffa Farm in Nipomo are heirlooms and do not go through a harsh treatment that can make the sponges tough. The result is a soft, washable non-abrasive plant-based sponge. Deanne, the owner of the The Luffa Farm began growing Luffas as a hobby over 30 years ago. In 1999, she decided to start a business growing and selling luffas and handcrafted bath and herbal products in retail outlets. The Luffa Farm quickly became a local curiosity and Deanne decided to open up to the public and offer free tours, no reservations needed. Bring your friends and family by to learn about luffas, explore the unique gardens, or shop at The Luffa Farm!
The Luffa Farm We grow Sponges!
