Warding off coughs and colds.

This time of year is notorious for coughs, colds, sniffles, sinus and sore throats.

We haven’t even hit winter yet and people are dropping like flies. While there are plenty of things to be done when you actually get sick, keeping yourself in tip-top shape is the best idea – and that way avoid falling ill altogether.

What can you do to keep your health on track? Here are a few simple tips:

Eat healthy : Sounds obvious right? Still, it never hurts to be reminded. Particularly focus on eating foods rich in Zinc (e.g. organic meats, wholegrains, nuts & seeds) and vitamin C (e.g. red & orange coloured fruit & vegies, broccoli, green leafy vegies). Also remember to keep up your fluids – people often forget to drink regularly when the temperature drops.

Herbal teas : Not only will this help to keep you adequately hydrated, some herbal teas can help to boost your immune system.

We make our own Cold & Flu tea at the clinic that contains immune-supporting Echinacea and the diaphoretics Yarrow and Elder.

Some other excellent herbal teas for this time of year include Rosehip, Ginger, and Lemon.

Cook with medicinal herbs & spices : including Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric and Chili. These not only add depth and flavour to your food, but also give your immune system a kick!

Wash your hands! Particularly if people at work are unwell, if your kids bring home a bug, or you interact with a number of different people through the day. Washing your hands regularly (and before eating) will help to prevent picking up other people’s germs.

Relax : Easier said than done I know, but it’s a well known fact that people who experience stress and anxiety are more prone to low immune function. Breathing, exercise, sunshine… all these things make you feel good and help to keep stress levels, well, level.

What are your secrets to staying healthy through winter?

Times, they are changing.

My appointment times, that is.

From next month, I will be altering my appointments and availability at HealthWise in order to accommodate several big changes – not least of which is relocating to Sydney! However, I’ll be back inBrisbane (and the clinic) at the end of each month, so I won’t be gone entirely…

Up until Friday 8^thJune, I’ll still be available for the usual appointments (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)  and have arranged to be back at HealthWise on the following dates:

• Thursday 26^th and Friday 27^th July
• Thursday 30^th and Friday 31^st August
• Thursday 4^th and Friday 5^th October

November dates onwards will be advised shortly, but just ask one of the Triple Js (Jen, Jenine or Judy) on reception if you’d like a later booking.

As usual, I’ll still be available via email or skype for existing patients. There are also the other three (wonderful!) practitioners available at HealthWise every week if you want a full consult.

It’s super important that you call ahead and make a time if you want to see me before the 8th June  - and particularly if you’d like to make a time for one of my return trips – as time is limited and I’d hate for you to miss out!

Why Sydney? Well, my lovely husband has nabbed a pretty exciting academic role at a university down there. I’ve got some freelance work lined up already and am looking into a Sydney-based clinic (to combine with HealthWise) once we’re settled.

So… that’s the news. I hope to see you in the clinic for a catch up before I go!

Warm yourself up!

Brrrrrt!

Getting chilly around these parts, isn’t it?

What are you doing to keep yourself warm – apart from jumpers, slippers and heaters?

Do you eat warmer foods at this time of year? I’m a cold frog, so I do. I also use extra serves of spices to help keep me toasty on the inside.

Ginger: grating fresh ginger (or including a good 1/2 tspn dried powder) into soups, curries, bakes and stir fries is an easy addition to your kitchen habits. It blends well with both sweet and savoury foods.

Fresh ginger tea is also one of the nicest warming drinks you can make for yourself on a cold day – add a squeeze of lemon, some fennel and little honey to soothe a sore throat.

Ginger is a warming digestive – good for upset stomachs, nausea and bloating. It’s also an antioxidant and a circulatory stimulant.

Cinnamon: this spice can be sprinkled onto porridge or yoghurt, baked into biscuits and cakes, or brewed up in an aromatic tea.

Cinnamon is an aromatic digestive that has a heating effect on the body. It also helps to regulate blood sugar metabolism (so I suppose it’s a good thing to include in sweet treats then…)

Turmeric: using fresh turmeric (or dried powder) for curries, stir fries and juices is one of the best ways to get it into you. Turmeric is often used in small quantities to colour foods. However, it is useful for far more than that! This magical and slightly bitter spice is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Bear in mind that the bright orange/yellow pigment it leaves behind might last a day or so on your fingers!

These are my current top three, but the list is pretty changeable, depending on how I’m feeling and what I’m cooking. What are your top spices?

Budget – an infographic

Are you in Australia?

Are you wondering about the 2012 budget?

Maybe. Maybe not.

In any case, I’d like to show you this infographic… because, why not?

Enjoy.

Recommended viewing: Face of Birth

A little while ago I gave a shout-out on Facebook and Twitter for my new favourite doco Face of Birth… I have serious heart-love for this film and feel like everyone should clap their eyes on it – particularly prospective parents.

Last week Sarah and I took part in the last round of  Capers’ Complementary Therapies Workshops. Spending the day talking about pregnancy and birthing with a group of loud and lovely midwives reinforced why I enjoy working in this area so much.

Through the clinic we see all sorts of people: suits, students, snotty kids… but pregnancy care is a particular favourite and it’s a true privilege to be part of that experience with our patients.

The lead-up to pregnancy and birth is a time of such change, learning and excitement. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get focused on good health practices, which will support a happy pregnancy, positive birth experience and a healthy little bub at the end of it.

Getting back to my film-spruiking, you might be lucky enough to live near a screening (they’re popping up all over Australia) or you can buy your very own copy to watch at home – take a look at the Face of Birth website for more info.

Here’s a little clip to give you a taste. Enjoy!