Fight the Fall Spike with #LoblawsFluCrew

Brrr… Baby it’s cold outside! Seeing the frost on the grass early in the mornings and finding myself in three layers already forces me to think of what is yet to come. 

Talking about old man, Winter here.  I heard on the radio the other day a deep cold winter is predicted this year! With a ton of snowfall. Great!  Hello, snowstorms, shovels, and ten thousand layers! 

Okay, I am thinking ahead. Let’s not go there yet, shall we? A bit more time to worry about Winter. 

Instead, why not discuss the present? Lovely Fall! Hope you stay longer. 

I love the changing colors, crisp air and pumpkin patches. Sipping hot cocoa while cuddling up with my favorite book in a fresh fall evening is truly heaven! 

But what about tea, blankets, sniffles and fireplaces? Yes, the infamous “Fall Spike“.  

Fight the Fall Spike with #LoblawsFluCrew

Cold and flu season officially arrives during the “Fall Spike” when temperatures begin to drop and kids are back in school again. For most families, it is tough to stay on top of the Fall Spike and prevent your family from falling victim to illness.

So I have partnered with Loblaw to bring you some useful tips to help you get prepared to battle the germs that invade during this season each year. From the food aisle to the pharmacy, your local Real Canadian Superstore or Loblaws has great products to help you maintain good health during cold and flu season.

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Back to School Equals Back to Germs 

Studies show children bring germs home from school and spread them to their parents and younger siblings, causing sickness ranging from colds to severe asthma flare-ups – known as the “Fall Spike.” 

To help keep your family healthy throughout the school year, follow these easy tips.

1. Eat well

It’s important to make healthy food choices all year, but even more so during cold and flu season to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs. Practice healthy habits all year long. Even if you haven’t always had the best health habits, you can battle the cold and flu season like a pro by adopting healthy habits now. 

• Eat nutrient-dense meals and avoid high fat or high sugar foods.

• Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas.

• Get regular exercise to help keep your body in good shape and able to fight against germs.

• Get enough sleep every night. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep each night. The average child needs 8-11 hours of sleep each night. Stop scrimping and get the sleep you need.

• Limit stress in your daily life. Avoid confrontation, stressful situations, and plan accordingly so your family can be in a low stress environment as much as possible.

2. Wash your hands

To limit the spread of germs, wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

• Scrubbing hands, between fingers, and under fingernails with warm soapy water and rinsing well will help rid your hands of germs.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands. This is especially important if you have been touching public surfaces.

• Properly sanitize your home. Kitchens and bathrooms get the most attention, but don’t forget to sanitize other commonly handled items: light switches, door knobs, cabinet handles, drawer handles, laptops, smartphones, tablets, keyboards, computer mouse, remote controls, and gaming system controllers.

3. Know when to stay home

Know when a fever is too high and make sure to stay home if your temperature passes 100 degrees. Remember you should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.

4. Get the flu shot

The flu shot is a simple vaccination that fights against the most common strain of flu for that season. It can help prevent many instances of influenza and is especially important for those who are immune compromised. Individuals with autoimmune disorders, children, and the elderly who all may have a more difficult time fighting off the flu should always get their flu shot. While it is recommended for everyone, especially to help keep from sharing the flu to these vulnerable individuals, these categories are most important as they are the most likely to fall ill and suffer complications from the flu.

No matter where you stand on proper etiquette, flu shots should be part of the plan. It is your first defense against the flu! 

Hope these tips help you steer clear of the Fall Spike and enjoy the beautiful weather while it is here 🙂 

Head to a Loblaw store to book a free appointment with one of their in-store registered dietitians for more information on foods that help support good overall and immune health, and while you’re there, visit your in-store pharmacist for your flu shot. 

 ****Disclosure:This post is written in partnership with Loblaws but thoughts expressed here are my own and honest****