How to Determine if it is a Cold or the...

How to Determine if it is a Cold or the Flu
Boost Your Immune System
Even when your hands are clean, staying healthy
means more than simply avoiding germs. Healthy
bodies have an easier time fighting off infection. To
stay healthy and boost your immune system:
 Get plenty of rest
 Eat a well-balanced diet
 Exercise regularly
 Decrease stress
Colds rarely cause serious complications; only about one per Cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smokcent of cases lead to complications (mostly sinus or ear infecing and over consuming alcohol
tions). The flu, on the other hand, is responsible for around
200,000 hospitalizations every year. A virus is the cause of
both colds and flu and though they share many symptoms, Studies have shown that a session of moderate
physical activity produces positive effects on the imeach illness has telltale signs.
mune system. Over time, this means catching fewer
colds and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Flu versus Cold
In general, flu tends to come on fast, makes you feel exhaust- Foods that may Boost the Immune System
ed, and is more intense. The flu comes and goes quickly. Flu
is more likely to leave you with a lingering cough or feeling Researchers are finding positive links between immune
tired for weeks. If your muscles are achy and you have a tem- function and components in food. If you or your kids
perature, you most likely have the flu. You are the most conta- seem to get one cold after another, you'll want to make
sure they eat plenty of immune-building foods.
gious five to seven days from when you first feel bad.
Every year cold-and-flu season sprinkles its misery on just
about everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control,
Americans suffer from a staggering one billion colds every
year and have a 20 percent chance of getting the flu. Adults
average 2-4 colds a year; kids typically get more, with some
getting as many as 12 colds every year.
Colds, on the other hand, start with a runny or stuffy nose and
maybe a sore throat that you may have felt coming on for
days. When you have a cold, you either don't have a fever, or
it is very mild. You are most contagious during the first three
days of getting a cold, during that sore throat phase.
Garlic may boost your immune system, increasing resistance to infection and stress. To get the immune power from garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a
knife before adding them to your food. This releases the
garlic juice, which has great immune properties.
Cheese and other dairy products contain conjugated
If you are coughing, sneezing, or have a sore throat, then you linoleic acid, a natural component of dairy fat which has
boosted immune response in animal studies.
are more likely to be in the cold camp, where a
headache will put you more in the flu camp; but
Yogurt and other cultured milk products contain probithese symptoms are shared by both illnesses.
otics, beneficial bacterial with immune-boosting benefits. Look for the "live active culture" seal, which indicates that probiotics have been added. Also check milk
Is it a Cold or Flu?
product labels for vitamin D. Early research suggests
low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a seasonal inQuestions
Flu
Cold
crease in colds and flu and a higher incidence of respiratory infections.
How fast was onset?
Sudden
Gradual
How tired do you feel?
Severe
Mild
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and juices, may also
Do you have a fever?
Yes, high fever No/Mild) fever
help the body's immune system.
How is your appetite?
Decreased
Normal
How are your muscles?
Achy
Fine
Zinc, found in meat, chicken, peanuts and peanut butter,
Do you have the chills?
Yes
No
plays an important role in the proper functioning of the
immune system in the body.
“Superior in Safety, Quality and Service since 1938”
2045 E. Dunes Hwy.—Gary, Indiana 46402
Lakefront DNF CREW of the MONTH—BP Whiting Refinery
A Superior Construction Co., Inc. composite crew, of both laborers and carpenters, worked side
by side to install forms for a concrete wall inside the effluent channel of the Quad 1 in #7 Separator at the Lakefront DNF Project. The job required careful planning as it involved working in a
confined space with limited room. This crew consisted of employees: Ryan Otterman, Jose
Vasquez, Rogelio Castillo, Jesse Alanis, Sr., Jesse Alanis, Jr., Cesar Tirado, Mike
Flatt, Dan Cavin, Joel Downs and Bill VanBlaircom. Through cautious planning and
communication, the group worked well together to execute and complete the job
with zero incidents. Great Job to this group and everyone involved on this project. Your safe work is appreciated!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Avoid stress with this advice:
Study Hour—Help Your Children Succeed at Homework
Helping children study, whether they’re doing homework
or getting ready for a big test, can be a challenge for parents. It doesn’t have to be a battle, though. Here’s how to
give your kids the structure and support they need:
Thanksgiving is a time for family togetherness. Of
course, sometimes too much togetherness breeds
tension, stress, arguments, and the occasional
blowup. Whether you’re hosting the dinner or just visiting, remember these tips for staying calm and sane: • Designate a study area
Set up a room, desk, or corner devoted to schoolwork. It
should provide some privacy while allowing you to easily
monitor your student’s work.
Plan early. Start thinking about Thanksgiving well before the big day so you don’t have to rush to get everything done at the last minute. Check in with guests,
or your host, a few days ahead of time to confirm eve- • Follow a schedule
Children will respond better if they know that certain
ryone’s plans.
times are set aside for homework or studying. Let them
relax a bit once they get home, but make sure they start
their work promptly so they get into the habit.
Get people involved. Don’t try to do all the work yourself. Invite guests to bring dishes (if you’re a guest,
volunteer). Recruit your kids to set the table and clear • Allow short breaks
away the dishes. A team effort will make the day
Younger children may have trouble sitting still. Even oldmore fun for everyone.
er students will get tired of nonstop work. Permit a cerMix up the guest list. Most families behave a little
better if outsiders are present. Include a few neighbors or friends; ask if you can bring a co-worker. A
“buffer” will encourage people to be on their best behavior.
Get out of the house. No rule says you have to hold
Thanksgiving at someone’s house. A public setting
like a restaurant or hotel can defuse tensions and
take the load off. If you are at home, encourage
guests to take walks or play outside while waiting for
dinner to start.
Take time to relax. Don’t overschedule yourself. Build some
extra time into your day so you
can talk to family and friends,
enjoy your meal, and genuinely
give thanks for being together.
tain amount of break time to keep children fresh.
• Listen to music
While the TV shouldn’t be on, some experts say that
background music can help with concentration and retention. Just be sure it’s not too loud or distracting.
• Help, but don’t intrude
Let your children try to finish their homework on their
own. If they seem to be struggling, offer to help, as long
as you don’t end up doing their work for them. Check
their answers when they’re finished.
• Talk to the teacher
Make sure you and your school are on the same wavelength. Find out how much homework is assigned each
night, how much time students are expected to spend on
it, and what you can do if they seem overworked. Good
communication with your child’s teacher is essential to
his or her academic success.
If you have any questions/comments-please contact editor, Tricia Hanrath, at thanrath@sccinc.com
www.superior-construction.com