By: Dr. Frances Turk ND
Another cold and flu season has come upon us with a raging vengeance. We have experienced record-breaking cold temperatures early and in 2019, it’s been forecasted that we are in for a very cold winter season. ARE WE READY?
One of the things as a small business owner that I personally find very stressful is that I’m rarely able to take a day off for a “sick day,” mainly because I’m my own boss, and without me, there is no income to come in to pay for my overhead, my staff, and my rent. This is a common theme for workers of all types of occupations. Whether it be due to family expenses that are so high it’s tough to manage, particularly over the winter season when heat and hydro bills go through the roof, it’s really hard to make that decision to stay home.
Staying home is ideally the best situation overall, as it is one of the most efficient ways of keeping an infected person “quarantined” and minimizing other co-workers from contracting the same thing. Alas, like most things, just because this is the best situation to adopt as proper practice, doesn’t make it achievable nor realistic because of the reasons above (and more).
So what can we do in order to try and boost up our immune systems and/or help prevent the spread of this awful virus to our co-workers and thus maintaining optimal productivity in the workplace? Here are a few suggestions that you can do.
1. SEE A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR – I sincerely hope this doesn’t come as a surprise that I put this as number one on the list (disclaimer – I AM a Naturopathic Doctor). The reason I state this is because when you have a health care provider who has your health history, including any allergies, sensitivities and/or intolerances, the options of what to use when you are feeling under the weather become more customized. I work this way in order to provide the best care to my patients. Different supplements or treatment options are available and what may work for one, may not for another. It’s really about looking at the root cause and treating the disease rather than the symptoms.
2. WEAR PROTECTIVE BARRIERS – Barriers such as face masks, vinyl gloves, hand sanitizers, they should be all available at your workplace. If not, ask for them. I use a face mask if I have a cough in order to prevent aerosol droplets that may contain the virus from floating around the room and landing somewhere for someone else to contract and enjoy (NOT!). It is mandatory for medical offices and naturopathic offices to ask patients to inform the front desk if they are experiencing any form of cough/cold/flu symptoms as we have options to help assist these patients from reducing the transmission of their ailments. If you are experiencing a cough, PLEASE use a face mask. It makes a difference. And….you can pretend you are the newest surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy if it makes you feel better for wearing one ;)!
3. COVER YOUR COUGH – If you aren’t wearing a face mask, then please use your hand over your mouth or your sleeve in order to cover your cough. It is so helpful to just block the potential of aerosol particles from travelling to places close by another unsuspecting individual that could contract whatever you have. Let’s try and be courteous and cover that cough in order to minimize the spread of the virus.
4. WASH YOUR HANDS – I’m sure you have heard this time and time again, but you’d be horrified to know how there is a large percentage of ADULTS and children alike who use the washroom and do not wash their hands. No matter what you are doing, where you are doing it, if you cough, cover your mouth. If you sneeze, cover your mouth. And definitely, wash your hands often and as soon as you can after using your hand to cover your cough. Even over and above this, what is even more effective than simply washing your hands is using an ALCOHOL BASED HAND SANITIZER.
5. WIPE DOWN POPULAR SURFACES – You may be quite horrified to know how many different bugs/pathogens are hanging around on your cell phone alone! Use disinfectant wipes over things that are heavily used such as door handles, sink taps, your cell phone, elevator buttons, pens, the mouse on your computer, etc. Just make it a common practice to wipe these surfaces down after your workday.
Those are five very do-able suggestions you can start to do right away. As an aside, one of the therapies that I adopt in my clinic includes IV therapy. Should you want to hear more information on what IV therapy is good for and how it can help to boost your immune system and potentially get over a cold faster, or increase your energy, or decrease your anxiety, or help you heal faster, please book yourself in for a FREE 15 minute consultation with our Naturopathic Doctor, Frances Turk ND, who will explain what these treatments can do for you.
Our clinic information is:
Absolute Health Science
21 Surrey Street West, Suite 202
Guelph ON N1H 3R3
519-827-9519
info@absolutehealthscience.com
Frances Turk ND