Since we have entered the cold season there are a few things that you should know to prepare yourself and your family for the battle against the ever returning virus. Most people without a medical education are unaware that there are roughly 200 different strains of the common cold that circulate in the public ever year. That makes it 200 times harder to determine the proper diagnosis. It is more likely that by the time your physician devises a treatment plan, the virus will have moved into the next host. This is the reason why the symptoms are easier to treat than the virus itself.

Apply this effective holistic therapy on the first day you experience symptoms. First, take two cloves of garlic and quarter them. About 40 minutes before bedtime place them in a shallow dish and cover them with vegetable, almond, olive, or canola oil, to the tops of the cloves. Almond is best, as it penetrates your skin faster. Allow the cloves to sit for 30 minutes. Next, take a copious amount of the oil and rub it on the bottom of your feet. If you feel brave, place the quartered garlic cloves between your toes. Then put on a pair of socks and head straight to bed. You will wake up feeling better than when you fell asleep.

Garlic is rich in vitamin C and will boost your immune system while you sleep. The only drawback is the garlic taste in your mouth when you wake up, but mouthwash and a good tooth brushing will resolve that. Remember to sleep at least seven hours a night during this treatment. You may repeat up to two times. If your cold is still present or becomes more severe, see your family physician immediately. Holistic therapy should be used in conjunction with traditional allopathic medicine for severe cases.

Here are some measures you can take at home to help ensure that you and your family are less likely to be at risk for one of these viruses.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, playing with family pets, blowing your nose, or coughing. A good way to know if you are washing thoroughly is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice in your head.

2. Bundle up when outside. Ohio has a habit of having weird winter weather. Even if it is 57 degrees today, remember it was only 32 degrees yesterday. When our bodies are subjected to continuous temperature change, it stresses our systems, which may lower the immune system and allow viruses to have homes.

3. Be cautious when eating or drinking after someone else. Your friend may not only have a tasty looking latte that you are dying to try, he may also have the onset of strep throat.

4. Be active. Allow your body to get the exercise needed to help its blood flow and immune system to work properly. Couch potatoes are more likely to become sick before the person who is getting a good 20 minute cardiovascular workout.

5. Vitamins are your friends. It never hurts to take some extra vitamin C, but there are other vitamins you should consider. Talk to your physician or alternative health counselor to determine what may be best for you. Taking too many vitamins may have a negative effect, so it is wise to achieve the proper balance for your body type.

6. Eat smart. Holiday time is when we want to eat all the lovely food that our friends and family are making, but too much can weaken your immune system. Cake, cookies, brownies, fudge, and caffeine, do more harm then we think. Remember moderation and eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.

7. Less stress is always best. During the holiday season you may experience some family drama. Remember to keep calm and take a break from the action.

These are just a few ways to ensure that you stay healthy. Use these life tips year round and not only during winter. Even while practicing these helpful tips, you may still catch a cold.

If you become one of the unlucky ones, consider my favorite treatment option--garlic. It is simple, cheap, and works.

Isaac L. Kramer, HHP

Yellow Springs, Ohio