flu

The Present Situation

It’s flu season and unfortunately it’s apparently also Coronavirus season this year. Different countries have different levels of preparedness, but I never like to leave my wellness, or my families, in the hands of others. I don’t like to wait around like a sitting duck and take action after I am sick. I believe very strongly in preventative care. I have learned that preventative wellness is key to the success of my business. Particularly for those of us who depend on the quality of our voice to make a living, it is best not to get sick in the first place. Here are some best tips, tricks, and best practices that have helped me over the years:

Hand Washing and Wipes

It is really important to both wash your hands frequently AND not touch your face. According to the CDC’s website:

“Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:

• Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40% 2, 3, 6
• Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58% 4
• Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21% 3, 5
• Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57% 7

Another trick that I have found when out and about is carrying lysol and Clorox wipes. I always do this on trains and airplanes. They come in little travel bags, and you can wipe around your entire personal area which has likely not been cleaned any time recently. Here is a link to the wipes I am talking about:

• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, 15 ct.

or

• https://www.amazon.com/Lysol-Disinfecting-Wipes-Lemon-Blossom/dp/B017P2ZG0O/ref=sr_1_4?crid=10AZ072PLLZ4K&keywords=travel+pack+lysol+wipes&qid=1583074333&sprefix=travel+pack+lys%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-4

Supplements That Help

I take a blend of supplements daily to prevent illness. I have been doing this since I got started in voice over full time as any illness stops work. Twice since 2015 I have had to tell clients I was unavailable for several days because of sickness. One client waited for me, one could not and I still regret missing that opportunity. These are some of the supplements that work for me to stay well even when those around me are a hacking mess, perhaps they might help you too:

• Immune Assist: https://www.amazon.com/Medicinals-Critical-Certified-Mushroom-Supplement/dp/B074DSCVNJ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1-3yBRCmARIsAN7B4H3pFSvaIhTzwUC0YqWdD8uX5qYLbWy5E_OYB2Ye5ZoHdrDdgDUvUx8aAnY9EALw_wcB&hvadid=153719469992&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003504&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1243395999995137344&hvtargid=kwd-1642972002&hydadcr=21189_9333932&keywords=immune+assist&qid=1583074523&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTjZGQ0lHNzdGN1BDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTQyMDU4MkpJUlcwMk02SDdYRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjM0MDU4MzhBMkVaOU9HMFQySiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

• Cold Quell https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Poppy-Cold-Quell-caps/dp/B0044U4HVA/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Cold+Quell&qid=1583074607&sr=8-3

• Mega Food C Defence: https://www.amazon.com/MegaFood-Defense-Supports-Function-Gluten-Free/dp/B07CP2VMY4/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=mega+C&qid=1583074638&sr=8-13

• Elderberry: https://www.amazon.com/MegaFood-Elderberry-Promotes-Defenses-Servings/dp/B07JYFJMZG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1PU99320INAT6&keywords=megafood+elderberry&qid=1583074674&sprefix=mega+food+Elder%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFRWVdUQUVBMzc2VlAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwNjM4MTIxNlNPQVU1QTU3VTE5JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMjMyNDUzV0pLMlREQjVQWVAmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Straight to The Throat If you are already fighting something and have some symptoms, these are some must haves that I turn to and always keep on hand. They have helped me immensely over the years!

• Golden Voice Tea:https://www.amazon.com/Health-King-Golden-Voice-Count/dp/B0011DL1D0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2NX50AV0Q5XX&keywords=golden+voice+herb+tea&qid=1583074792&sprefix=Golden+Voice%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-2

• Vocal Sprays- I have two that I love:

vocal-throat-spray

or

https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Peppermint-Mouth-Spray-bottle/dp/B008CQCXA4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1TWG1Q0UFN21F&keywords=thayers+citrus+dry+mouth+spray&qid=1583074872&sprefix=thayers+citru%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-2

• steamer https://www.amazon.com/Vicks-Personal-V1200-Targeted-Congestion/dp/B0000TN7MY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=personal+steamer&qid=1583074907&sr=8-3
• Manuka Honey Singles:  https://www.amazon.com/Kiva-SNAP-Packets-Certified-Zealand-Packets/dp/B082QTFGWJ/ref=sr_1_28?crid=SLFSKNG12TDA&keywords=manuka+honey&qid=1583075113&sprefix=mazuka%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-28

Conclusions:

Find practitioners in your area that will help! In my area, these are some that I depend on both for treatments like acupuncture, for medical consultations, and for homeopathic supplements.

• Jason Neff, Phoenex Accupuncturehttp://www.phoenixtcm.com/
• Dr. Allison Fox, Renew Integrative and Functional Medicine http://www.renewdirection.com/
• Chis Butler, Wellpath Center of Millburn, https://www.facebook.com/TheWellpathCenterofMillburn/

I have also found a food regimen that works for me. With the help of the above practitioners, I have learned that sugars feed illness, so I typically avoid sweets. I have also led a gluten and dairy free lifestyle as well which I believe helps fight illness and for me has helped me stay well. I use to get almost monthly sinus infections but those days are long gone. Again, a good medical professional in ADVANCE of illness can help with all of this. We also ALL GET flus shots. I hope this helps you in time. Wishing you and your family wellness in 2020.