Steps to Prevent the Swine Flu

(CARLSBAD, CA) – Autumn has arrived. Leaves are changing color. The weather is turning cooler. Football games flash on TV, families gather for holiday festivities, and crock-pots simmer with mom’s homemade soup.

But, that’s not all. It’s also that time of year when coughs, colds, and flu symptoms reign supreme. And this year, a new flu bug is in town. The H1N1 virus has been topping news headlines across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 300,000 cases of the H1N1 virus, better known as “swine flu,” have already been reported this fall. During the winter months, the number of swine flu cases is expected to increase dramatically.

So, how do you protect yourself against the famed swine flu, or any other flu virus for that matter?

• Lather Up! – Your first defense against flu germs is simple. Wash your hands. Every time that you cook, blow your nose, use the bathroom, handle garbage, or touch public surfaces, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

• Catch Some ZZZzzzs – Get a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep each night. When you are sleep deprived, your immune system is less able to fight off infection.

• Use Caution – Protect your belongings from germs that can be transmitted to your body. Hang your purse in the restroom stall instead of putting it on the floor. Wipe-down your credit cards and cell phone with disinfectant wipes.

• Pay Attention – Know what to look for when determining if you have a seasonal cold or something more serious. Swine flu symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and possibly nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

• Keep Moving – Exercise is an important part of your overall health. Build up your stamina and your immune system by staying active. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.

• Spring Clean (a little early) – Germs that settle in your clothing or household surfaces can easily be transmitted to your body. Disinfect household surfaces with an antibacterial product that has part bleach. Turn your pockets inside out before washing your clothes, so that germs can’t hide in the tight nooks and crannies.

• Talk to Your Doctor – Ask your doctor about the H1N1 vaccine, which has just become available. Also, talk to your doctor about antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, which can effectively prevent the flu if taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com