When it comes to preventing the coughs, colds and sniffles of

the colder months, it’s back to basics. The common cold and other

virus-borne winter ills are best prevented by simple measures.

These include:

• Getting enough sleep;
• Eating a diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality protein, whole grains and healthy fats;
• Making sure you have enough fluid intake (eight cups/glasses a day excluding caffeinated beverages and colas);
• Including physical activity in your day;
• Managing stress so that it doesn’t manage you, and
• Washing your hands frequently, in particular before eating, after helping a child blow his nose and after shaking hands with someone.

All of the above help to build and protect a healthy immune system, which can spell the difference between catching or avoiding a cold.

A Word on Chicken Soup:

Grandma was right. Chicken soup does indeed ease the miseries of coughs and colds. In addition to the warm fluid’s ability to clear congestion-causing mucus from the airways, chicken soup appears to contain natural anti-inflammatory agents that bring additional relief.

Herbs such as garlic added to the soup provide the immune system with an extra boost.