What to do at the First Sign of a Cold

With the fall season here and winter on the way, it’s natural to have concerns about your health. More specifically, the common cold and flu.

The second you realize the first sign of a cold – such as a bit of stuffiness – is the second you should take action. While no two people are the same, here are some steps you can take combat your cold and hopefully reduce the impact on your life:

·      Stay hydrated: It’s best to stick with water and clear broth when fighting a cold. You may also want to add lemon water with honey as a means of loosening congestion.

·      Get enough rest: Don’t get into the habit of pushing through your cold. When you get enough rest in the early days, it helps shorten the lifespan of your cold, thus allowing you to get back to 100 percent as soon as possible.

·      Add moisture to the air: Dry air can worsen your symptoms, so use a humidifier to your advantage. This can help reduce the impact of many symptoms, such as dry eyes, dry throat, and a stuffy nose.

If you take these steps at the first sign of a cold, you’re putting yourself in position to reduce its lifespan – and that’ll help you get back on track.

Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.