by B.J. Armstrong

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads
__ Clement Clarke Moore

December is the 12th and last month of the year. Winter begins in December and some people call it "the frosty month." People celebrate many holidays this month and you surely do not want to be sick at this time. Getting a flu shot gives the best protection, and doctors recommend it. If you missed getting your shot between mid-October and mid-November, you can still get one up until March. Experts estimate that if everyone got a flu shot as suggested, it would prevent 70% of hospitalization and 80% of deaths related to the flu.

Eating certain foods can be great therapy for colds and flu. In fact,  research

states that chicken soup can make you feel better. The hot liquid moistens and clears your nasal passages and soothes your sore throat. It also relieves symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection by reducing inflammation.

Some people drink orange juice the moment they feel the first sniffle or body ache. Research shows that it might shorten the length of time you suffer from cold symptoms. To soothe a sore throat Ginger may be helpful in reducing mucus. Place 3 or 4 slices of the fresh root in a pint of hot water. Simmer for 10-20 minutes and sip on it all day.

The holidays bring in house guests and visitors. To keep your house clean and germ free, use a solution of bleach and water to clean kitchen counters, doorknobs, telephones and anything else the people touch. Change the pillowcases and hand towels often during this cold season. To further reduce your

chances of getting sick, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands frequently and use liquid soap because bar soap can harbor germs. Have plenty of disposable tissues

sitting around.

The holidays are tiring with everyone on the go more. Whenever you are rushing around trying to ready everything, your immune system doesn't work as well as it should. This makes your body more vulnerable to infections. Try to keep a healthy perspective by

making time to get some rest. When your body is working to fight off a cold or the flu, it needs plenty of rest. Try to budget your time and activities by eliminating unimportant things in your life at this time. It will protect you and others from catching germs and getting sick at this important time of year.

Holiday cooking helps us get Beta Carotene, Zinc, Vitamins C and E, that we need to stay healthy. We'll find these in turkey, beans, beef, chicken, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, broccoli, fruits, and all the delicious foods that we prepare at this time of the year. Some foods boost your immune system so you won't "catch" a cold or the flu in the first place.

Native Americans have used the herb Echinacea for hundreds of years to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats and boosting the immune system. It is helpful in treating the early stages of upper respiratory tract infections. Some other herbal remedies used to fight colds include slippery elm, wild cherry bark, honey and lemon, fenugreek, cayenne, elderberry, and licorice to name a few.

Have a joyous holiday germ-free hopefully. Nature prepares for the long winter ahead. Many people make feeding places for birds and squirrels. The latter part of December has long been a holiday season. Christians celebrate it as the birthday of Jesus Christ, and its color and good feeling shed a glow of good will over the rest of the month.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
              __Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
.