Happy New Year Everyone, 
I wanted to discuss a spate of respiratory illnesses that have been circulating this season which are causing a great deal of congestion followed by a prolonged cough.  These symptoms can be caused by Covid-19, Flu, RSV or a variety of other viruses.  These illnesses can result in hospitalization, especially for those who are most vulnerable including very young children, older adults and those with asthma or COPD.  Prevention strategies can include vaccination and masking in addition to keeping your immune system up to par.  Below is a list of 10 things that I have been doing myself and recommend to keep illness at bay: 
1.  Getting plenty of sleep. 
2.  Exercising daily. 
3.  Limiting sugar and alcohol.  
4.  Increasing intake of vegetables. 
5.  Consuming enough protein. 
5.  Eating more warm, cooked foods and less cold foods. 
6.  Including warming spices daily such as cayenne, ginger and cinnamon. 
7.  Eating a small piece of raw ginger root daily. 
8.  Adding raw garlic to some meals. 
9.  Drinking apple cider vinegar.  
10.  Taking probiotics or including naturally fermented foods. 

If you are sick, please schedule a short phone or video consult with me to discuss natural strategies to shorten the duration and severity of your illness. 

Stay well out there!