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you in touch with your own losses, but also helps you learn to listen and to be there in the moment with those in grief. We’re not here to fix them,” Frost said.
Alternative Prevention Tips for Cold and Flu
Cold and flu time is just around the corner. There’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk of getting sick. Basically, the goal is to boost the immune system and reduce exposure to disease causing pathogens. For many, the first step is vaccination. You may be surprised to read that it is also believed to reduce the sever- ity of the illness and protect against complications. But there is even more you can do.
Moderate exercise boosts the im- mune system and could reduce risk of a cold by as much as 30%. You can exercise and enjoy movement from a seated position, participate with a video, walk around the block, or even benefit from daily house- hold tasks. Any amount of regular exercise will benefit the body and immune system.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. We often touch our faces without thinking, or while thinking, which is a common way for cold and flu germs to enter the body. Wash your hands after touch- ing communal office spaces and regularly disinfect your own work or sitting area.
Exercise, no really, exercise.
Clean the environment to reduce germs. That means using disinfectant when cleaning, especial- ly in the bathroom and kitchen. Pay special attention to germ hot spots like doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen and bathroom counters.
Drink plenty of liquids. Stay hy- drated with plenty of liquids to help the body fight off germs better.
Sanitize your mobile devices.
Get added Vitamin C and protein through nutritious foods or supplements. Some studies have shown that a little extra Vitamin C can reduce the risk of getting sick. Not getting enough protein can also lower the immune response. But first, check with your healthcare provider to decide what sources are best for you.
They are dirty and germ-filled, including everything you might house in the pocket cover. Clean it regularly with sanitizing wipes or rubbing alcohol – being careful not to wet the electronics.
Manage chronic conditions.
Stay away from people who are sick. It seems obvious, but keep your distance from people who are sick.
If you must be around a sick person, limit your contact and avoid unnec- essary touching like shaking hands or hugging. If you must, wear your mask.
That may mean that you will priori- tize medications, sleep, food intake, movement, or more to make sure all body systems are functioning at their optimal level, including the immune system.
According to the CDC other-
wise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day be- fore symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
Wash or sanitize hands thor- oughly and often. It is effective against cold, flu, and COVID. Regular soap is fine but be sure to rub hands together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to clean under the nails, backs of hands, between fingers, and wrists. Hand sanitizer is important
Despite the best efforts, some will still get sick with the flu. To increase your comfort during your recovery consider sleeping at a 45o angle,
use a humidifier, drink lots of clear liquids, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
as well but should have at least 60% alcohol to kill cold and flu germs.
The best news is that if you don’t get sick, you will not share it with others. Here’s to staying healthy this fall!
Don’t forget to disinfect clean- ing sponges and rags (a breeding ground for germs) by changing them frequently, soaking in bleach, micro- waving for 1-2 minutes, or running through the dishwasher.
Since the grief support group has started, the response has been very positive. The group is offered drop-in style, so participants can come and go as they need.
“It is open for when they feel that they need extra support and they don’t have to walk that journey alone, that is the main thing,” said Frost. “That’s what I took away from [my first group]. They always say, ‘Don’t walk it alone.’ And it is so true.”
Frost also facilitates a Caregiver Support Circle, for those caring for a loved one with dementia. That group meets every other week and is drop-in style as well. Topics of conversations range from specific problem-solving around hygiene issues, to dealing with mood and behavior changes, to self- care.
“It’s really hard to get away and have someone come in that can watch that person stay with [their loved one]. Once you get them there, they can
just breathe,” said Frost. “Let me tell you, these caregivers, they are really holding their breath and trying to dog paddle through it.”
One way that CareWell helps
make attending this group easier is by providing respite care. This service
is available to residents in Barry and Calhoun counties to help them get the support they need as they care for their loved one.
In addition to the support groups, Frost facilitates dementia education classes at Willard Library and leads Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six- week workshop series that helps care- givers take better care of themselves while they care for a loved one.
Information about the various groups and programs can be found
on CareWell Services’ website www. carewellservices.org/events-calendar or by calling (269) 966-2450. Frost welcomes anyone grieving the loss of a loved one or those providing care to a loved one to come try a group.
“Being involved in support groups has definitely helped me through the grief process, especially at the very beginning. I can’t sit here and say it was easy,” said Frost. “It’s possible. It is. I survived. And if I survived, they can survive too.”
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