Achoo, achoo, achoo, and please pass the tissues

This past week, I was laid low by one of the worst colds I’ve had in years, and after trying to work despite constant sneezing, runny eyes and nose, no energy and, in general, looking, as my mother used to say, “like something the cat dragged in,” I belatedly started to do some research on how to stay healthy this winter.

I also was able to arrange a telephone interview with Carolyn Harrington, a certified holistic health practitioner and founder of Maty’s Health Products, a line of all-natural products.

Carolyn developed her now-successful product line when, in 1966, her third child, Maty, was born with severe heart defects and had no spleen. By age 5, Maty had undergone three complex surgeries, correcting her heart problem, but leaving her with difficult medical issues and a weakened immune system.

Desperate to help her little girl, Carolyn devoted her time and considerable energy to finding natural remedies to help Maty become healthy.

Several of her line of all-natural products are especially for children, but there is also a vapor rub and natural nighttime nasal ointment and cough syrup, good for all ages.

Now, well-known and popular, her gluten-free, all-natural products are carried by Big Y, Stop & Shop, Rite Aid and online at www.matyshp.com.

Carolyn is from Rochester, N.Y., where winters are long and hard, and here’s her advice on staying healthy when temperatures drop: Take an extra vitamin D3 supplement; most of us need 5,000 units a day and don’t get nearly enough. It can also act as an anti-depressant. Stay away from sugar, soft drinks and chocolate.

Use sugar substitutes such as stevia. Herbal teas are excellent, especially peppermint and ginger. If you can stand the taste, drink some apple cider vinegar (add honey, to sweeten) for its anti-bacterial properties.

Although Carolyn is not a vegetarian, she does try to eat something raw every day and adds garlic, oregano and turmeric to many of her dishes.

Some additional tips from other medical sources suggest:

Get to bed earlier. Even if you just rest, it gives your body an extra immune boost.

Drink plenty of water. Central heating is very dehydrating. Our bodies need 8 ounces every two hours and double that upon arising and going to bed.

Eat hot foods; hot cereals like oatmeal; soups and stews, instead of sandwiches and salads. Especially good veggies are carrots, beets and squash. Homemade chicken soup is still a favorite with everyone.

Bundle up, but get outside and exercise.

Wash hands often and carry antiseptic wipes with you.

Use a humidifier or vaporizer at night.

Some experts feel the verdict is out on herbal remedies, so check with your physician first. Some herbal remedies can interfere with medicines you are already taking.

I’m going to start doing all of those things tomorrow. Right now, I’m taking my favorite pillow, putting on my warmest cuddly robe, and with my box of Kleenex, nose spray, cough syrup, lemon and honey hot tea, I’m getting under my fluffy winter comforter to watch a good movie.

None of the experts mentioned it, but Liam Neeson or George Clooney always seem to make me feel better.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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