Vol XV September 2009 | The Village Green Apothecary E-Newsletter

How to Dodge the Flu

It’s been making the headlines for months. H1N1 (swine flu) is predicted to make this year’s flu season especially memorable.

Check out the practical guidelines below, plus some ways to boost your immune system to help you and your family avoid getting sick (see box lower right).

Which One Is It? Common Cold, Seasonal Flu, or H1N1?

You wake up one day with a scratchy throat and a sense of dread. Are you coming down with something, and if so, WHAT?

The fact is, symptoms are quite similar for the common cold and most flu viruses. With any of them, you’re likely to have a sore throat, coughing, headache, fever, muscle aches and soreness, congestion and sneezing – although flu typically comes on more quickly and severely. If you experience a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, it would be a good idea to see your doctor.

Does it Get Any Worse Than This?

As bad as the flu may seem, developing pneumonia is a greater danger for some people, particularly the elderly, very young, or people with heart or lung conditions. If you’re suffering from shortness of breath, or you have a fever that returns after having been gone a couple of days, tell your doctor.

Tips for Staying Healthy

The flu is a serious contagious disease and this season could be worse than in years past.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications. The H1N1 virus could cause more illness or more severe illness than usual.

Stop the Spread of Germs!

Illnesses like colds and flu are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs, usually spreading when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Remember:

• Don't cough or sneeze into your hands, where germs will spread onto everything you touch. Instead use the crook of your elbow or a tissue (and throw it away).

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water, rubbing them vigorously together. The soap combined with the scrubbing action helps dislodge and remove germs.

• When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. Regularly wipe down desks, phones, keyboards, pens, doorknobs, etc.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for 2 hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and tables.

• When you are sick or have flu symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and check with a healthcare provider as needed. Remember: keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick.

For additional guidelines, supplement recommendations and tips to significantly reduce your risk of getting sick, check our H1N1 (Swine Flu) Prevention Guidelines article.

In the Words of a Longtime Village Green Customer…

I started shopping at Village Green (then The Apothecary) 22 years ago. I was a small-town girl who had moved to the DC area to work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I stepped into the store and felt at home immediately. This was reinforced by the warmth and friendliness of the employees. They displayed a depth of knowledge about all healthcare products that one could find only sporadically in those days. They also displayed a deep commitment to offer the best known products with the highest quality.

Needless to say, after 22 years of being a loyal customer, the staff and owner of Village Green Apothecary continue to be extremely warm, friendly and welcoming. Nutritional information on all their products is available from well- trained consultants throughout the store. The staff will go out of their way to help a customer.

Village Green's prices are generally discounted by 20%. They have the highest quality products, with great health information, and staff! What else could a customer ask for? A customer can also have a compounded prescription put together in the store, especially for their needs.

I have recommended this establishment numerous times to people who have become longstanding customers, as well.

Frances
Germantown, MD

Individualized Nutrition, Pharmacy, and Healthy Living

5415 W. Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
Order online or by phone: myvillagegreen.com | 301-530-0800

The information in this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician if you have any question regarding a medical condition.