How to Determine if it is a Cold or the Flu Boost Your Immune System Even when your hands are clean, staying healthy means more than simply avoiding germs. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off infection. To stay healthy and boost your immune system:  Get plenty of rest  Eat a well-balanced diet  Exercise regularly  Decrease stress Colds rarely cause serious complications; only about one per Cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smokcent of cases lead to complications (mostly sinus or ear infecing and over consuming alcohol tions). The flu, on the other hand, is responsible for around 200,000 hospitalizations every year. A virus is the cause of both colds and flu and though they share many symptoms, Studies have shown that a session of moderate physical activity produces positive effects on the imeach illness has telltale signs. mune system. Over time, this means catching fewer colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. Flu versus Cold In general, flu tends to come on fast, makes you feel exhaust- Foods that may Boost the Immune System ed, and is more intense. The flu comes and goes quickly. Flu is more likely to leave you with a lingering cough or feeling Researchers are finding positive links between immune tired for weeks. If your muscles are achy and you have a tem- function and components in food. If you or your kids perature, you most likely have the flu. You are the most conta- seem to get one cold after another, you'll want to make sure they eat plenty of immune-building foods. gious five to seven days from when you first feel bad. Every year cold-and-flu season sprinkles its misery on just about everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans suffer from a staggering one billion colds every year and have a 20 percent chance of getting the flu. Adults average 2-4 colds a year; kids typically get more, with some getting as many as 12 colds every year. Colds, on the other hand, start with a runny or stuffy nose and maybe a sore throat that you may have felt coming on for days. When you have a cold, you either don't have a fever, or it is very mild. You are most contagious during the first three days of getting a cold, during that sore throat phase. Garlic may boost your immune system, increasing resistance to infection and stress. To get the immune power from garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife before adding them to your food. This releases the garlic juice, which has great immune properties. Cheese and other dairy products contain conjugated If you are coughing, sneezing, or have a sore throat, then you linoleic acid, a natural component of dairy fat which has boosted immune response in animal studies. are more likely to be in the cold camp, where a headache will put you more in the flu camp; but Yogurt and other cultured milk products contain probithese symptoms are shared by both illnesses. otics, beneficial bacterial with immune-boosting benefits. Look for the "live active culture" seal, which indicates that probiotics have been added. Also check milk Is it a Cold or Flu? product labels for vitamin D. Early research suggests low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a seasonal inQuestions Flu Cold crease in colds and flu and a higher incidence of respiratory infections. How fast was onset? Sudden Gradual How tired do you feel? Severe Mild Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices, may also Do you have a fever? Yes, high fever No/Mild) fever help the body's immune system. How is your appetite? Decreased Normal How are your muscles? Achy Fine Zinc, found in meat, chicken, peanuts and peanut butter, Do you have the chills? Yes No plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system in the body. “Superior in Safety, Quality and Service since 1938” 2045 E. Dunes Hwy.—Gary, Indiana 46402 Lakefront DNF CREW of the MONTH—BP Whiting Refinery A Superior Construction Co., Inc. composite crew, of both laborers and carpenters, worked side by side to install forms for a concrete wall inside the effluent channel of the Quad 1 in #7 Separator at the Lakefront DNF Project. The job required careful planning as it involved working in a confined space with limited room. This crew consisted of employees: Ryan Otterman, Jose Vasquez, Rogelio Castillo, Jesse Alanis, Sr., Jesse Alanis, Jr., Cesar Tirado, Mike Flatt, Dan Cavin, Joel Downs and Bill VanBlaircom. Through cautious planning and communication, the group worked well together to execute and complete the job with zero incidents. Great Job to this group and everyone involved on this project. Your safe work is appreciated! Happy Thanksgiving! Avoid stress with this advice: Study Hour—Help Your Children Succeed at Homework Helping children study, whether they’re doing homework or getting ready for a big test, can be a challenge for parents. It doesn’t have to be a battle, though. Here’s how to give your kids the structure and support they need: Thanksgiving is a time for family togetherness. Of course, sometimes too much togetherness breeds tension, stress, arguments, and the occasional blowup. Whether you’re hosting the dinner or just visiting, remember these tips for staying calm and sane: • Designate a study area Set up a room, desk, or corner devoted to schoolwork. It should provide some privacy while allowing you to easily monitor your student’s work. Plan early. Start thinking about Thanksgiving well before the big day so you don’t have to rush to get everything done at the last minute. Check in with guests, or your host, a few days ahead of time to confirm eve- • Follow a schedule Children will respond better if they know that certain ryone’s plans. times are set aside for homework or studying. Let them relax a bit once they get home, but make sure they start their work promptly so they get into the habit. Get people involved. Don’t try to do all the work yourself. Invite guests to bring dishes (if you’re a guest, volunteer). Recruit your kids to set the table and clear • Allow short breaks away the dishes. A team effort will make the day Younger children may have trouble sitting still. Even oldmore fun for everyone. er students will get tired of nonstop work. Permit a cerMix up the guest list. Most families behave a little better if outsiders are present. Include a few neighbors or friends; ask if you can bring a co-worker. A “buffer” will encourage people to be on their best behavior. Get out of the house. No rule says you have to hold Thanksgiving at someone’s house. A public setting like a restaurant or hotel can defuse tensions and take the load off. If you are at home, encourage guests to take walks or play outside while waiting for dinner to start. Take time to relax. Don’t overschedule yourself. Build some extra time into your day so you can talk to family and friends, enjoy your meal, and genuinely give thanks for being together. tain amount of break time to keep children fresh. • Listen to music While the TV shouldn’t be on, some experts say that background music can help with concentration and retention. Just be sure it’s not too loud or distracting. • Help, but don’t intrude Let your children try to finish their homework on their own. If they seem to be struggling, offer to help, as long as you don’t end up doing their work for them. Check their answers when they’re finished. • Talk to the teacher Make sure you and your school are on the same wavelength. Find out how much homework is assigned each night, how much time students are expected to spend on it, and what you can do if they seem overworked. Good communication with your child’s teacher is essential to his or her academic success. If you have any questions/comments-please contact editor, Tricia Hanrath, at [email protected] www.superior-construction.com