4 Ways to Avoid Catching the Flu

Whether or not you get a flu shot, try these tricks to lower your chances of getting grounded by the flu, as well as to prevent colds and other infections.

Wash, over and over
Your hands need attention. Use plain old soap and water, and make sure to rub vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. I have a friend who sings the “Happy Birthday” song in his head to make sure he is washing his hands long enough.

Avoid crowds
The flu virus thrives on socializing. Do more shopping online than at the mall, and try to cover your face if someone sneezes near you.

Keep hydrated
Membranes in your nose and throat trap viruses and move them back out in the form of mucus. Drink lots of fluids and gargle to keep your membranes in fighting shape, says Neil Schachter, MD, author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu. But avoid humidifiers; they can spread germs.

Do vitamins
Vitamin C may not fight off colds, but several experts still recommend it for keeping you healthy during flu season. Vitamin D and selenium may guard against the flu, too. Foods like orange juice or yogurt are usually fortified with vitamin D. And OJ has plenty of C. Brazil nuts and beef have loads of selenium.

Courtesy of Health.com

A little Monday Humor: Things People Say on Patient Charts

Hello everyone! I thought this week could start off with a little humor. I found a list of “Things People Say” on patient charts. It’s actually pretty scary how many things can be written incorrectly…
 
Comments on Doctor’s Charts:

• “Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.”
• “On the 2nd day the knee was better and on the 3rd day it disappeared completely.”
• “The patient has been depressed ever since she began seeing me in 1993.”
• “Discharge status: Alive but without permission.”
• “Healthy appearing decrepit 69 year-old male, mentally alert but forgetful.”
• “The patient refused an autopsy.”
• “The patient has no past history of suicides.”
• “Patient has left his white blood cells at another hospital.”
• “Patient’s past medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the past three days.”
• “Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.”

See the full list here: http://bit.ly/4lRQx5

 

Common Patients’ Sign-In Complaints:

• “Diarear.”
• “Sore trout.”