9:58am Tuesday 11th November 2008
We face a double challenge this year - coping with winter ills and the current financial crisis.
As if things weren't bad enough it seems that this combination could trigger an increase in the number of us suffering from seasonal colds and flu.
Money'’s short, jobs are at risk, and so there’s pressure to avoid taking time off from work through unnecessary illness.
A Boots survey reveals that 34 per cent of people are worried about calling in sick in the current economic climate.
It all adds up to rocketing stress levels, which in turn can potentially weaken our immune systems - the body’s first line of defence in fighting off germs.
But can our personalities make us more at risk of becoming one of the nine million people annually, on average, who suffer the sniffles and sore throats after contracting one of the estimated 200 viruses currently in circulation in the UK?
Personality psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson said: “While there’s no scientific evidence that our personality affects our chances of acquiring infections, it is likely that worriers and complainers are more likely to be inclined to high levels of stress and anxiety.
“Stress plays a huge part in weakening the immune system, as people suffering from it are inclined to eat less healthily, be less active and sleep badly. This can make them more prone to germs.”
He points out that the upbeat and optimistic are more inclined to be relaxed and enjoy a healthier way of life with more stable eating and sleeping patterns.
“They may feel they suffer less from colds because of their outlook.”
Prevention is better than cure
COVER UP: There are around 200 cold viruses in circulation in the UK in winter. Covering up your nose and mouth when outdoors in cold weather may help. This is because the cooling down of
the nose causes a slowdown of the infection fighting cells inside the nose.
KEEP ROOMS WELL VENTILATED: Over-warm and centrally heated rooms help the germs multiply. Try to ensure you get outdoors for regular doses of fresh air.
WASH YOUR HANDS: Wash hands frequently and ideally use an antibacterial hand gel. “Cold germs can be passed by touch as they linger on door handles, taps and toilet flushes, telephones and keyboards,” said TV doctor and GP Rob Hicks. “Washing hands frequently during the day and after using public transport is an excellent precautionary measure.”
BE SMOKE-FREE: Either don’t smoke or stay away from smokers. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that smokers are more likely to have prolonged symptoms of a cold. Passive smokers are more likely to catch a cold and suffer longer than non-smokers.
BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY: Keep your immune system in shape by eating plenty of fruit and veg and a healthy balanced diet. Try to limit stodgy, comfort foods to occasional treats. Also ensure you drink up to eight glasses of water a day.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS: Stress can turn us into couch potatoes. “A knock-on effect of stress is that people become less active, but to keep our immune system functioning well we need exercise, and to do pleasurable activities that boost our mood,” Dr Hicks said. “Laughter is also reported to boost our immune system.”
...but if all else fails
IF YOU do become the victim of a winter cold, here are some things that can help:
Dr Hicks is a great believer in a honey, lemon and fresh ginger drink. “Lemon contains Vitamin C, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and honey is soothing,” he said.
Keep paracetamol and ibruprofen in the medicine cabinet so you can quickly relieve the symptoms of temperature and aches and pains as soon as they occur.
Eat well and ensure your diet contains plenty of zinc, and vitamin C and E found in seeds, nuts, cereals, bread, vegetables and citrus fruits.
Get eight hours sleep and avoid unnecessary stresses and strains.
Boots offers a flu vaccination service in stores in England and Wales for £15. See www.boots.com for more details
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/trade_directory/