It is that time of year once a gain for resolutions. Most of which we set for ourselves and never achieve. Losing weight is an aspiration for many Americans. The time and commitment are perhaps the most discouraging part of all. So if your new year’s resolution is to drop a few pounds then here are several ways to help you get started.

Start by choosing a healthy plan. There are numerous weight loss programs out there. Most of which are gimmicks and false advertising aimed at getting you to spend a lot of money. For that reason you may want to start by meeting with a registered Dietician. A Dietician will be able to work with you to design a plan that fits your lifestyle, personality and health condition. Set a reasonable and achievable goal such as one to two pounds a week. That is more rewarding and encouraging to be able to meet your target at weeks end.

Stay away from quick fixes. It is better to lose weight over time then immediately. Remember that the race is not for the swift but for those who can endure. Diets that result in significant and immediate weight loss tend to deprive the body of nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy body. Dieting should not equal starving. Most people bounce right back from that quick fix and having put on more weight then when they started. Examples of dangerous quick fixes include taking laxatives and/or diuretics (water pill). However any diet program that claims to “burn fat while you sleep” or “lose weight without exercising” should sound the alarm for you stay clear. Many Americans have lost tremendous amounts of weight by having gastric bypass surgery. Although this is very successful if you can afford the $10,000 price tag, it is not a magic bullet. You still have to work hard to keep the weight off and stay healthy. There are also prescription diet pills. I tend not to recommend prescription or over the counter pills because they can be harmful, addicting and they do not help you to improve your eating habits or lifestyle. Dieting should be about maintaining good health and nutrition. When you make it a way of life tailored specifically for your lifestyle, taste buds, and personality then losing weight is attainable.

The FDA recently approved an over the counter weight loss product called Alli. It is available in every retail pharmacy and sells for about $40 to $65 depending on the package size. This is the only weight lost product approved by the FDA. You should speak with your Doctor about whether Alli is a good choice for you. At the end of the day I believe in dieting and exercising. Exercising does not have to be boring. Just moving is exercise. Try parking farther away when you go shopping. Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Get a dog or cat to force you to take walks. I like to pace around the kitchen while talking on the phone rather then sitting. I prefer to park and walk my children to the school door rather then doing car-drop off. Staying healthy and losing weight is a conscious decision that you make. Research your options, speak with your Doctor and go for it.

Delores Sasu, B.S.,RPH

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Influenza, more commonly known as The Flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. It is very prevalent during the months of October thru April of each year. The Flu is spread through close physical contact such as a hand shake. The viral particles of the virus can survive on doorknobs, money, or countertops for an extended period of time. Once you have acquired the virus the symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, cough, congestion, headaches, and body aches. Remember that the Flu is a viral infection so antibiotics will not work to treat or prevent it but will ease the symptoms and speed the recovery process.

How can you prepare your family for the Flu Season? A flu vaccine is the first line of defense against illness. The vaccine is available at physician’s offices as well as a wide range of community settings and retail drugstores. Ideally everyone should be vaccinated on a yearly basis due to the changing nature of the virus. The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccination, especially for people ages 50 and older, individuals with chronic disease, such as Asthma, Diabetes, or Heart Disease, along with Healthcare providers, Daycare workers, school employees and women who are pregnant.

In addition to getting vaccinated the next course of action is to limit the spread of the virus. You can accomplish this by washing your hands frequently, using a hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces at work and home, maintaining a nutritious diet and getting plenty of rest. There are several over the counter herbal supplements that may help to “boost immunity” during the season.

Airborne is a combination of Zinc and Vitamin C along with fifteen other vitamins, minerals and a proprietary herbal blend that help support the immune system. Airborne is the widely popular cold and flu product created by a second grade school teacher. Airborne is taken no more than three times a day. It is available in varies dosage formulations and a lot of flavors to choose from.

There is the nasal spray Zicam. Zicam contains Zinc. Zinc is believed to stop Human Rhinovirus from sticking to the inside of the nose and stop the replication of the virus. Adults and children twelve years of age and older may use one spray in each nostril every two to four hours until cold symptoms subside. When symptoms subside you should continue using Zicam for an additional 48 hours. Zicam also comes in a nasal gel swab, RapidMelt and Oral Mist formulation.

High doses of Vitamin C if started early in the course of a cold may decrease the duration and severity of illness. The controversy over the effectiveness of Vitamin C in curing or preventing colds is still unresolved. Most experts have concluded that Vitamin C has no benefit although it is a widely accepted treatment for the common cold. Most OTC products of Vitamin C range from 500 to 1000mg per tablet taken three times a day. The herbal supplement Echinacea may be effective in providing symptomatic relief and shortening the duration of  illness in adults if initiated early in the infection stage. The recommendation is for adults and children 12 years and older to take 300mg of Echinacea extract three times a day for 7 to 10  days.

Although many of these herbal “immune boosters” may prove to be helpful the only sure protection against the Flu Virus is vaccination. Before taking any OTC product you should consult your Pharmacist or Physician first. There may be potential side effects  and or  interactions with your prescription medications or disease state.  For this Winter Season keep warm, eat healthy, get at least 8 hours of sleep and look forward to warmer days.

Delores Sasu, B.S.,RPH