L I F E S T Y L E Health, Beauty, Fitness Dont let winter months make you sick By JENNIFER COX A hhh the joys of winter. Most of us cannot afford to get sick and with the colder months upon us a collective fear of illness is becoming apparent. But dont have a public transport panic attack when another ashen faced commuter coughs politely into the back of your head. Instead, make these easy changes and take control of the fear. Minimise stress. Fact: stress suppresses immunity. This means that incident involving your very public wardrobe malfunction could have actually made you sick. If you cant change your stressors, change your response. Prioritise health and practice calming rituals. Exercise. Meditate. Drink camomile tea. Have a nightly bath with essential oils then visualise your worries literally gurgling down the drain. Turn off your phone (gasp!) Whatever your method, doing it daily will slap that potential illness in the face. Best of all; a good laugh will decrease stress so crack some jokes and get silly. Eat for health. Winter is no time for nutrient deficiency. Antioxidants are the immune system champions and their presence (or lack) can make or break your defence. Get them from fruit and vegetables - the brighter the better because theres more antioxidants in the colourful ones hello beetroot. Other smarty pants choices are garlic and mushrooms, both of which boost immunity, are anti- bacterial and antiviral. Pop them into curries and soups and dont overlook the spice cabinet herbs have been used medicinally for longer than the flu cares to remember. Finally (in a nod to the Nannas) a lemon and honey drink is packed with vitamin C, promotes healing and fights bacteria. Cheers Nan. So rather than hating (or becoming) a snotty member of society, rally your immune system. Be one of the gracious and pity that sick commuter without cursing their misplaced sneezes. Vive la sneez-ee! *Jennifer Cox is a qualified Naturopath and creator of Bound health blog. Visit boundhealth.blogspot.com TAKE CONTROL: Fear of illness is rife as winter is now upon us. Take simple steps to ensure your body is prepared to fight back! YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO Health & Beauty Debra Cain (ATMS & AKA Accredited Practitioner) Unit 13 Harbor Mall 17-21 Ocean Street, VICTOR HARBOR Mobile: 0402 109 937 Email: debra@createinnerbalance.com www.createinnerbalance.com **HEALTH FUND REBATES AVAILABLE** **GIFT CERTIFICATES** Creating Inner Balance for your Body, Mind & Spirit Remedial Hot Stone Massage Reiki Kinesiology Aromatherapy Strain Counterstrain Techniques Reflexology Ear Candling Craniosacral Therapy Remedial Massage & Natural Health Therapies Mobile Hairdresser Ill bring the salon to you! Specialising in Ladies style cuts & colours Weekly sets & blow drys All services at aordable prices For a salon quality service in the comfort of your own home 0410 226 448 Phone Jess for an appointment CARMEN LANGE 35 Burke Street, Victor Harbor To make an appointment, phone 0412 155 493 HEALTH FUND REBATES AVAILABLE Effective treatment for: Muscular Skeletal Problems Back, Neck, Shoulder Pain Lower Back & Sciatica Pain Lymphatic Drainage Digestive Hormonal Some Respiratory Complaints 8554 2088 HEALTH & WELLNESS RETREAT DAY SPA The Complete Spa Experience Health Fund Rebates Available NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS Day Spa Caf Residential Programs 14-30 Waterport Road Port Elliot Gift Vouchers Available www.authenticity.com.au I N