Got the Flu? Break out the Mercury and Formaldehyde!

Apparently, the stomach flu is going around Ottawa big time. So I thought this might be a good time to discuss how to to ward off viruses. You might think the best thing to do during cold and flu season is to get a flu shot, avoid sick people or try to sterilize everything in sight.

Well, this brilliant piece from the Royal Canadian Air Farce sums up why flu shots may not be your best plan.




As for avoiding people or sterilizing everything, that’s probably not going to work either. Science tells us the air we breathe and the things we touch are always lousy with germs. Always. So why aren’t we sick all the time? Why aren’t dogs, who eat off the floor and lick every disgusting thing in sight, sick all the time? On the contrary, dogs are rarely sick.

Many experts believe it comes down to this. In most cases, people get sick because their immune system isn’t functioning well. A healthy immune system slays everything. Things that lower our body's natural defenses include lack of exercise, poor nutrition, obesity, lack of proper rest, smoking, alcohol, stress and other negative emotions (frustration, loneliness). While many doctors cringe at the notion, Chiropractors believe even subtle spinal problems can deeply affect the spinal cord and the body's ability to heal properly.

In any event, there is no way to fully avoid the odd viral attack. Sometimes it's out of your hands. But you can cut your risk. Plus, you'll notice the severity of your flu is far less when you support your immune system through exercise, good nutrition and good choices. That's the true key to keeping your immune system high and viruses at bay.

Christmas Crashes into My Fitness Bandwagon

Well, there's nothing like the holidays to take the wind out of your fitness sails, is there?

I booked 2 and a half weeks off work this year. My game plan? To be as schedule-free as possible. The only thing I had on my agenda was my scheduled gym sessions at Greco's. However, just as holidays hit, they had to change my schedule. Instead of following up and immediately slating some new times to workout, I just said, "I'll reschedule sometime next week."

That was three and a half weeks ago. Three and a half weeks of seasonal eating and drinking. Three and a half weeks without gym time and playing very little hockey. Three and a half weeks of being a moron.

But you know what? The body held up pretty well. If I had tried this two years ago, I'd have packed on 10 pounds of fat with no problem. This year, I only added 2. My energy level isn't bad, due largely to sleeping in for 2 and a half weeks. But after a year and a half of working out, I can see how easy it to slip off "the fitness bandwagon" full time.

During the 3 and a half weeks, I didn't have to jump in a cold car and drive to the gym. I didn't have to do the work, which deeply appeals to my lazy side. Watching TV is way more fun than working out. There's only one reason I'm going back next week. I don't want to return to where I was - feeling weak and tired with 25 extra pounds of fat on my frame, probably at greater risk of medical problems.

I know what I want my body and life to be like and I'm the only one that controls that. So I'm ditching the concept of falling on or off a fitness bandwagon. The thought has such a negative vibe - a feeling of failure and being left behind. Just say to yourself, "Hey, I didn't eat healthy today. I'm better than that. That's certainly not the way I usually behave." Then commit to a return to the gym and eating well the next day.