One Flu Over Austin…. Hey, Was That A Pig?
So, do you think you have to be crazy to be concerned about the Swine Flu? A Austin flu epidemic is just as likely as anywhere else and your health is what is at risk.
I’m not suggesting you have to go “fanatical” about protecting yourself. The common sense things like – keeping your hands off your face, washing frequently (your hands), keeping a safe distance (6 ft.) away from sick people, and not sharing licks off your three year old’s Tootsie Pop – are more than adequate to give you a good chance of not getting the flu. Actually our bodies might already have the virus, BUT staying healthy and fit will keep the ‘Swine” out.
How susceptible are you?
So, how do you know if you have the flu and not some silly little cold (come on… a cold, that’s not sick!)? Actually, there are many similar symptoms that the common Austin cold and flu share. If you give thought to it, you’ll realize that both are simply viral infections that have entered your body through mucous membranes of your nose, eyes, and/or mouth. Both the cold and flu affect the throat, can cause headaches, affect your sinuses and even may produce a fever. However, there are a few things that may be different.
Typically, the flu will come on much quicker than a cold. In most cases the symptoms will be more severe and last longer (watch out – a cold can be severe too). Additionally, the flu can pack a little extra fun – vomiting. And that’s not all! If it’s the flu, pneumonia may also be in the offering. If you perceive a shortness of breath when sick, it may do you good to see your Doctor as this could be a sign that pneumonia has come
into play. As a matter of fact, if you are ever in doubt about what you have caught, do see your family doctor.
An ounce of prevention can cure a lot of crazy things; including the Austin Flu.
Getting sick isn’t much fun; who wants to sit around trying to figure out if you have a cold or the flu? Yeah, not me either. I can think of several things that would be more fun – watching Will and Grace reruns, s
tudying for a final, heck even pulling teeth would be more fun than a cold or flu. But really, I think even working on a strong solution to Austin influenza prevention can be a lot of fun. For instance, you could start a healthy exercise routine, or even move your current exercise plan up a notch or two. Nothing helps your body deal with infection better, than keeping it at its optimal level of health.
Getting in shape doesn’t have to be a lot of hard work. Instead, it should be a lot of fun that you work hard at. Take for instance this list of fun things you can do to get yourself started.
• Go on bike rides
• Take Dance Lessons
• Try your hand (and feet) at roller blades
• Go to Lady Bird Lake for a run
And there are many more, however, these are just starting points or fun things to try. If you really want to bring your level of health to the top you should see a personal trainer. A personal trainer can give you many ideas to help establish a healthy lifestyle that will help beat any Austin flu epidemic. In fact, the best personal trainers – the trainers in the know – hang out at Austin Personal Trainer’s spot, Think Fit Austin. These guys know how to have fun at working hard. Every session is, like… having an exercise party! So don’t wait until you see “Pigs Fly”. These guys are insane about wanting to help you protect your health. So make an appointment today; the “Doctors” are in!
Here’s to healthy living and strong immune systems!
Nick
