Liss' Frugal Living Blogs

Ah, these are the days of our lives, aren't they folks?

The past few years, particularly since 9/11, the media's grim forecast on the Nation makes me ill. Not from any actual sickness mind you, but from the fear they attempt to induce and the frustration I feel with each new impending report of doom; Bird Flu, Swine Flu, Mad Cow... these are just a few of the many Panic/Fear inducing reports they plaster on the Tv.

This latest affliction, Swine Flu, has people frantically stockpiling groceries and household supplies, schools closing, people wearing masks while in public and more.

I am left to wonder, when are they (our media) going to realize that the reason people panic or grow sick with fear is due to their repeated grim forecasts of our impending deaths from an imminent pandemic.





Here are the Facts:

1. Is it True? Yes, their is another Strain of Flu going around, normally found in pigs (swine), but is transmittable to humans. It is a respiratory illness, (passed in droplets in the air/ sneezing,etc).
No, you CANNOT catch it from Eating Pork or Pork products!
(Although, I must ashamedly admit, I am looking forward to the sales on pork products due to the media's hype which is scaring people from consuming it!)

2.Wash, Wash, Wash: If you practice good hygiene, (washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, particular around your eyes, nose,mouth and any other thin tissues on your body) you will reduce the chances of introducing any virus into your body.

3 Eat for Health: It never hurts to eat a healthy diet and get a little exercise every single day.

But, if you must suck down a double fudge brownie supreme sundae with hot fudge sauce, do so at home. Did you know that your body's immune system is greatly hindered for several hours after consuming Sugar, making you more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections.

I am a firm believer in "Your body is a Temple", (Mines a Pyramid ), here are a few of my favorite immune boosting foods:

Vitamin C: This is the obvious one folks,
grab a glass of OJ or Grapefruit juice (not the kind loaded with sugars!). For a Frugal immune boosting drink, grab a few fresh lemons, slice them thinly, add 2 quarts clean cold water and a bit of Stevia for natural sweetness. Voila, sip throughout the day. Cheap, healthy, yummy.

Great Sources of Vitamin c:

• oranges
• collard greens
• broccoli
• brussel sprouts
• red cabbage
• kale
• strawberries
• raspberries
• grapefruit
• snow peas
• sweet potatoes
• tomatoes (canned and fresh)
• red peppers

Red chili peppers (cayenne)
Cayenne peppers have a heating effect on the body and have been proven to not only boost the immune system, but to help burn fat. (So, why not drop a few pounds in the process!)

Garlic
This another oldy, but goody. Garlic has wonderful immune boosting properties. I recommend a good healthy dose of it daily. If you don't like the scent it leaves on your body, try taking Kyolic (Aged) garlic, as it provides the nutrients & health benefits, without the scent.

Turmeric - this powerful anti-inflammatory (member of the ginger family) is another wonderful immune boosting seasoning. It makes a lovely flavorful healthy addition to chicken vegetable soup, as well as in casseroles.

4. Common Courtesy: If you have a cough, runny nose, fever, be sure to use a tissue, cover your mouth and nose when you cough & you might as well stay home rather than ambling out into public and risk being treated like a leper.

5. Treatment If you truly do have symptoms of swine flu, don't panic, there are 2 antiviral drugs oseltimavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) which are effective for treatment.

6. Rest! Getting enough sleep is essential to proper immune system health. This is especially important for children.

Yes, the threat is there, but at this point, statistically, you are more likely to win the lottery TWICE than you are to die from Swine Flu.