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Health & Wellness
25
Cough And Cold Season Is Here— ❆ ❄ ❅ Are You Ready? ❄ ❄ ❆
Believe it or not, cough and cold season is upon us. Our nights are becoming very cold and children have been back in school for about six months now. This is the season everyone dreads. It seems we see people with the sniffles everywhere—at work, at the mall and even at home. Now is the time to take some steps that will reduce your risk of catching a cold and stock up on things that will help with the symptoms when the inevitable happens. You can reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu. Here are some helpful hints: WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY: This will help stop the spread of germs. Everything you touch potentially has cold germs on it— doorknobs, handrails, pens, PIN pads, etc. Also, keep hand sanitizer easily accessible—keep it in your car and your desk at work. REDUCE STRESS: Whenever a big day is coming up, or a deadline you have been rushing to meet, you are more likely to become sick. Relax, your health is more important. Also, try to get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
EAT WELL: Certain foods combat colds. Try to include as much of the following as possible in your diet: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, and whole grains. Some evidence also exists supporting using vitamin C and Echinacea to boost your immune system.
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DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Drinking plenty of water helps flush germs out of your body. Water also helps keep your mucous membranes moist, allowing them to trap the virus and dispose of it. BREATHE FRESH AIR: Try to breathe as much fresh air as possible. Recycled, contaminated air can make you sick! Get outside as much as possible. Cold air will not give you a cold! For the most part, everyone catches some degree of a cold at least once a year. Once you feel the symptoms coming on, then what? For starters, continue the above tips. Also, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (no one else wants your germs). And most importantly— CONTINUE TO WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. There are many cough and cold medications on the market that can help with your cold or cough symptoms. Decongestants in a pill form or a nasal spray can help with a stuffy nose. Antihistamines can help with itchy, watery eyes. Cough suppressants help control a nagging cough. Cough drops or throat lozenges help with a sore throat. Tylenol or Motrin can help any body aches or fever. Before taking any medications, please consult with your pharmacist or doctor to be sure the medication you are buying doesn’t aggravate any existing medical conditions or interact with any current medication you are taking. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Many over-the-counter cough and cold medications can cause adverse effects. Don’t be afraid to ask us, that is what we are here for.
Once you have determined which medications are safe, keep some at home so that you are prepared when that cold comes along.
Jersey Shore Pharmacy is an independently owned and operated full service pharmacy. Our pharmacists and technicians are here to answer your questions. Stop by and see what a pharmacy experience should be!
For more information, call 609-660-1111 or visit WWW.JERSEYSHOREPHARMACY.COM www.jerseyshorepharmacy Your Home Town Family Pharmacy Diabetic Shoes
www.jerseyshorepharmacybarnegat.com www.jerseryshore.pharmacy www.jerseyshorepharmacy.com
The County Woman Magazine
www.TheCountyWoman.com
November/December 2021
