Cold & Flu Season

Sustainably Sadie

Cold & Flu Season

I’ve heard it referred to as an “epidemic”—the worst flu season yet.  For this family with a newborn, we’ve gone into seclusion in order to avoid germs.  A fever for our little guy could be seriously dangerous—so we hide out and avoid public places as much as possible.  Constant hand washing, carrying hand sanitizer in our pockets, we’re taking all precautions to keep the flu out of our home.

That being said, we’ve all had an annoying cold this past week.  It started with a sore throat.  The boys both have runny noses.  I’ve been drinking tea all day long, making sure to stay hydrated.  I was thrilled to be able to get Ginger tea and Emergen-C from The Health Emporium in Sheridan.  And amazing friends gave us local honey.  Honey is a great way to treat sore throat and illness.  It is an alternative to cough-suppressants, is anti-bacterial and anti-viral.  Ginger will also calm a cough as well as soothe an upset stomach and strengthen the immune system. 

My favorite treatment when feeling poorly is a Hot Toddy.  My family recipe is a shot of whisky, lemon juice and honey in hot water.  The warm, soothing drink induces a restful sleep; it could be made without the alcohol, just lemon and honey in hot water can be equally healing. 

Even though we’re hiding out, we’ve been doctor-advised to get fresh air daily.  According to the Herbs & Oils blog that I follow on Facebook, a dose cold air can also soothe a ferocious cough (http://www.commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-coughs/).  Airing out the home can be a good idea for those, like us, cooped up during these flu-months.  I try to air out the house during the warmest part of the day so the heating bill doesn’t get too out of control and also right as we’re about to head out the door so the boys don’t get too chilled. 

It is also a great time of year to make soup.  Soup can be incredibly healing and simple to make.  Sauté onions, garlic, carrots and celery in olive oil.  Add grated ginger if you like.  A splash of wine, add broth or even just water.  You can add some cooked meat or keep it vegetarian then spice up with your favorite hot sauce or chili powder.  The spice will help fight off illness. 

Search Pinterest.com for other DIY cold/ flu treatments.  I’ve seen recipes for making your own vapor rubs or shower melts using essential oils, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.  When baby Ruben seems especially stuffy in the middle of the night, I rub a couple of drops of Eucalyptus essential oil on his outfit (not directly on his sensitive, young skin).  I also have rubbed the Eucalyptus onto my older son’s feet then put on socks (as I have seen on the Internet) and it really seems to help his runny nose. 

Share your secrets for fighting cold and flu season at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or by emailing sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  Flu season could last a few more months; take care of yourself and your family.  Stay healthy and happy!  Thanks for reading. 

Twin Bits

From TBS Calendar:

Wed Jan 23:  Big Read Presentation, MP gym; Big Hole Ditch Assoc. Mtg (Dick Marshall) @ MT Room, 1:30 pm

Thurs Jan 24:  Wrestling Meet @ Butte High, 6 pm

Fri Jan 25:  BB @ WSS, GBGB, 2:30pm; State Speech/ Drama and Debate @ Huntley Project

Sat Jan 26:  JrHi BBB @ Harrison Tourney; BB w/ West Yellowstone @ Home, BGBG; Little Dribblers (girls) play at half-time of the varsity games;  State Speech/ Drama/ Debate @ Huntley Project;  FFA @ Fergus Mechanics in Lewistown

Tues Jan 29:  JrHi BBB w/ Ennis @ Home, 4 pm; District FFA @ Clyde Park, 5 pm; 

Wed Jan 30:  Elementary Science Fair @ MP gym

Thurs Jan 31:  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; Elementary Science Fair Awards, MP Gym, 8:20 am

Fri Feb 1:  BB @ Manhattan Christian, GBGB, 4 pm

Sat Feb 2:  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; Wrestling Divisional Tourney @ Dillon; BB w/ Ennis @ Home, BGBG, 2:30 pm; FFA Alumni Silent Dessert Auction, Gym Lobby, 3 pm; Little Dribblers (boys) play at half-time of varsity games

I am here to promote activities and events in the Ruby Valley.  Please contact me at the above Sustainably Sadie address, call me at 684-5222 or snail mail: P.O. Box 491, 59754.