• With the start of the school year and the changing of the season both young and old are subject to colds and the flu.  We can’t guarantee you won’t have a cold or the flu this year but we can offer  these reminders as  steps you  can take to minimize your chances.
• WASHING YOUR HANDS is one of the easiest precautions for all ages.  Washing your hands with warm water and soap or antibacterial foams/ gels helps to reduce your risks of getting a cold or the flu or from passing it on to others.

• We are all vulnerable to germs on common everyday surfaces  – door knobs, handrails, elevator buttons, steering wheels, shopping carts, gas pumps. These surfaces may not receive proper cleaning on a regular basis. If you have touched a common surface remember to wash your hands BEFORE you touch your eyes, mouth or face.

• To avoid spreading germs, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use your elbow or sleeve if a disposable  tissue is not readily available to cough or sneeze into.

• Eat a well balanced diet –check out Canada’s Food guide  for helpful tips  

                http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php

• Get plenty of sleep – 7 to 8 hours is recommended. Lack of sleep leaves your immune system having to work harder to keep your body healthy and leaves you at a higher risk of contracting a cold or the flu.

• Exercise regularly.

• Discuss getting an annual flu vaccination with your doctor. Many provinces offer this as a free service during flu season.   To find out more about how to prevent the flu visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website:

http://www.fightflu.ca/index-eng.html