Day 10-A Healthy New Year

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As we move into a new year why not make a place for a new routine for better health...every little step will make an impact.

GET STEAMY~A warm-mist humidifier during the winter months will help prevent colds and flu by preventing excess dryness, which irritates mucous membranes and can make them more susceptible to infection.

Happy and Prosperous 2010 to All~

Thank you for your presence in my life~

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms

Day 8 & 9~Keeping Kids Healthy~

It's a fact of life...where you have a number of children...some of them will be sick. For many reasons, children are not kept at home when they are sick.

Schools and Day Care settings are a play ground for germs and passing them around.

What's a parent to do ? One really good thing is to keep them strong at the " gut level" literally...

In two studies with children, taking lactobacillus and bifidobacteria decreased the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections. Choose a product that list the strain name of the bacteria, such as DDS-1 or NCFM.

Check your local health food store or speak with your family doctor/druggist for guidance.

TIP 9...

Sugar is murder to your immune system.

FACT...the amount of sugar in two cans of soda can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 92%. So please...skip the sugar and get yours and allow the children to get their sweet kicks with grapes, berries and other alternative to sugar.

My grandsons love dried fruit...and once sugar is out of the system...the desire isn't there , so no feeling of deprivations.

Good health is worth working for~

Happy New Year coming!

Bea Kunz

Day 7~Drink Your Way To Better Health~

Nothing can match the benefits of plain water. A good filtration system is a must and there are many ways to sparkle it up a bit if you aren't a water lover. Try some lemon, a drop of your favorite essential oil or a sprig of fresh mint or even rosemary.

Red wine is a great addition to our liquid intake...in moderation of course.
Red wine contains powerful antioxidant compounds and some studies suggest it may even enhance immunity in small amounts.

**Too much alcohol can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs.

Don't forget the benefits of teas and especially herbal tisanes....herbal tea has no caffeine and you can drink as many cups as you enjoy knowing you are putting only good things into your system.

For a collection of great blends visit our Sage Hill Farms website and try a few.

Nothing better for building the defenses against the winter bugs.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

BeWell

Bea Kunz

Day 6~Less is Better~

High-tension living boost levels of adrenaline and cortisol--stress hormones that suppress the immune system as much as 38 percent.

It's imperative that we find ways to ease anxiety: meditating morning and night, pay attention to the way we breathe, and keeping a positive attitude will go a long way in what we absorb.
Schedule less, slow down...body and mind, make each day a journey of joy.

We each deal with something less than perfection every day...attitude is 95% of the final outcome...be it positive or negative.

Nothing feels as good as the possession of good "energy"...and when we share that with others, well, that is perfection of the best kind.

Happy New Year coming~

Bea Kunz

Day 5-Fish Is More Than Just Another Meal~

Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which boost immune system activity. These fats also help balance excess omega-6 fats.

Other good sources of omega 3's include flax seeds, walnuts,and omega-3-enriched eggs.

OR...you take a supplement-250 mg EPA from fish oil...morning and night is best.

We can also add a powerful punch to the strength of our immune system by taking Andrographis...this is highly recommended by herbalist (Karta Purkh Singh Khalas,DN-C,RH.) Taken throughout the cold/flu season, especially if you are traveling or under stress, will fortify your system.

Scandinavians have been using andrographis for 20 years to reduce the symptoms and duration of infections.

In the early stages of a cold take 10 to 15 g of andrographis per day as tea or in capsules, or up to 20 mL per day of the tincture.

(Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.)

(PS) keep a small bowl of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of Lemon oil in your kitchen sink...leave your dish towel in this mixture when not using it..it will stay clean and fresh all day. Plus, anything you wipe with it will be germ free.

Stay safe and healthy for the holiday's~

Bea Kunz

Day 3 & 4-Send Those Nasty Cold Bugs A Message~

"Garlic" gets a bad rap in many ways...but, when it comes to the benefits it offers for cold/flu protection it's right up there with the best options.

Garlic contains allicin, alliin, and sulfides, compounds that increase immune-system activity.

Garlic is delicious and very potent in its raw form if it is fresh...when it has a bitter taste that means it is stale and should be thrown away or into the compost bin.

Sauteed lightly in a good Olive oil and blended into any salad fixing is a great way to get your daily dose.

If you are concerned about "garlic" breath...just chew a little parsley or thyme...works like a charm.

If you don't eat garlic then opt for the supplements....take 320 mg of garlic with a minimum of 3.4 percent alliin one to two times daily.

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Not a " Tea" drinker ? Well, you are missing out on a lovely way to support and build your immune system.

Tea contains L-theanine, a compound that primes the immune system's response to bacteria and viruses.

Jasmine is a wonderful all around tea for every taste.
Add some of many varieties and try them all to find a few that you love...then make them a regular part of your day.

I invite you to visit our website and look at the tea choices there.

I can also blend any combination you want. Just ask~

Merry Christmas to All and will see you on Saturday~

Bea Kunz

Day 2 and 3 For Building Immunity~

Simply washing/cleaning our hands often goes a long way in cutting our chances of catching a bug. It's a proven medical fact that hand-to-mouth and hand-to-nose contact is the most common way the flu and cold bugs are contracted.

I suggest when we have access to soap and water...scrub often.
For those times we don't have access to soap and water use a hand cleaner/sanitizer-and please make it one that doesn't destroy the good bacteria on the hands.

There are many ways to obtain these, one is through Young Living essential oils or many health food shops, and or alternative shops that lean to a more natural collection.

If we pay close attention to how many times we touch our face during the day it is amazing. This is a
great new project for the next month...practice " not touching the face." and teach our little ones the same....make a game of it and they will more than embrace it.
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Soothing a sore throat is easier than many ever discover.

A Method For Adults:

Gargle with water, lemon and a dash of Cayenne pepper- the capsaicin in cayenne temporally acts on pain receptors to decrease the pain. Salt can be added to any gargle and has an antibacterial effect. ( about 1 teaspoon per cup )

A Method For Children:

Use 6/8 Oz's of yogurt or a healthy pudding; add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 drop Lemon essential oil ( therapeutic grade )and just enough natural sweetener to make it kid acceptable.
Store in the frig and treat them every hour with a small amount.

More kids, older kids...just make more~

To treat the cough that most often comes with a sore throat; Cook figs, they contain a mucilage that coats the throat. Simmer figs and add cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
( antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ) drink the liquids and eat the fruit...kids love this too.

To your healthy and happy holiday~

Bea Kunz