Posts Tagged ‘flu’
Hugging it out
Can hugging actually help prevent getting a cold? A brand new study from Carnegie Melon University says “Yes,” according to a recent Washington Post article.
According to a Carnegie Mellon News article written by Shilo Rea, the research revealed that “perceived social support reduced the risk of infection associated with experiencing conflicts. Hugs were responsible for one-third of the protective effect of social support. Among infected participants, greater perceived social support and more frequent hugs both resulted in less severe illness symptoms whether or not they experienced conflicts.”
Of course, there can be a downside to hugging people during flu and cold season the researchers are quick to point out. But even so, perhaps a hug a day can (along with an apple) keep the doctor away?
To read the full Washington Post article, click here.
Photo Source: The Washington Post
Healthy matters
Have you gotten a flu shot this season? Or are you one of the people finding out that a lot of places don’t have the vaccine available due to high demand? Or do you believe that flu shots aren’t necessary?
According to MSN Healthy Living, this current flu season is resulting in some of the highest rates of influenza compared to the previous decade. MSN Healthy Living goes onto report that in January, the proportion of deaths related to pneumonia and influenza reached slightly above the epidemic threshold (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Using the MSN Healthy Living’s helpful chart (below), you can find out more about this year’s flu season, what, exactly, the flu is and — most important — how to hopefully avoid catching the flu. After all, what good is all of our healthy eating and exercise if we aren’t healthy in every other way, too? Let’s stay informed and stay well. (If you have any tips of your own — or if you want to weigh in on the pro flu shot vs. anti flu shot debate, please share, below, in the comments section!)
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