Have you ever wondered what the difference between a cold and flu really is? Anyone who has tried to self medicate themselves would know that it is difficult to work out, especially when a lot of over the counter drugs are supposedly designed to work for both illnesses, for example Cold and Flu Tablets!

Below are some distinguishing factors of both colds and flus:

Colds

• Sinus based, but more specifically centred around the nasal area
• Symptoms include: runny nose, stuffiness, sneezes
• Headaches and post nasal drips are often indicators as well
• Generally no fever
• How is it passed on? Talking, coughing, breathing not likely to pass it on. Sneezing, or coming in contact with nasal fluids (from nose blowing or wiping) may lead to its contraction
• Duration: usually 7 days. If symptoms persist consider other problems such as sinusitis or allergies

Flus

• Fever common
• Common symptoms at the beginning: flushed face, bodily aches, lack of energy
• Less common symptoms: dizziness or vomiting
• Generally after 1-2 days the symptoms above will subside and respiratory symptoms will become more noticeable
• Respiratory symptoms include: dry cough, sore throat and headache
• How is passed on? Inhaling droplets from coughs and sneezes is usually how it is contracted. The flu is fairly contagious as it is air born.
• Duration: 4-7 days, yet lethargy can linger for another week

One of the biggest differences between a cold and flu is that flus are preventable. It can be prevented by taking the flu vaccine maintaining your immunity!

For more questions, Ask Maria!

Stay healthy, eat well, exercise – especially during the onset of winter when flus and colds are most prevalent!

Source: Dr Greene

Do you find it difficult to motivate yourself to exercise? You’re not alone. The temptation to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie is a lot more enticing than going for a run, especially now that it is coming into winter and it gets colder and dark very quickly!

It’s time to get motivated again! Here are some useful ideas which might just make you think twice about watching that movie!

• Getting into a routine is the hardest part about exercising. Once you are on a roll and have started your regime and sustained it for about week, you’ll probably start to really enjoy it!
• Start small. Go for a 20 minute walk first and then next time, increase the inclination or time.
• Try different activities to get an idea of what you enjoy doing. These could include: running, walking, push ups, sprint/ interval training, skipping, swimming, stomach crunches and so much more!
• Have an end goal that you can work towards but also make little aims in between, that way it doesn’t seem so daunting! Think about: increasing, decreasing or maintaining your body weight, increasing your strength, improving your heart rate and therefore fitness levels.
• Grab a friend or neighbour and do exercise with them. This is a really good outside motivating force!

There is a lot of advice out there about weight loss. At the end of the day there is no real solution that can be applied to everyone. The best thing to do is to exercise regularly and eat healthily and know your body. Some tricks that work for others won’t necessarily work for you. The suggestions below, from Better Health Channel, are simple and healthy ways to reduce your weight. See what works for you!

Suggestions for safe and effective weight loss include:

• Don’t crash diet. You’ll most likely regain the lost weight within five years.
• Aim for slow weight loss. You should lose no more than 0.5kg a week or 10kg in six months.
• Aim to lose 10cm from around your waist in six months. This is more important for your general health than the number of kilos you lose.
• Cut down on dietary fats, especially saturated fat.
• Cut back on refined sugars.
• Increase your intake of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals.
• Consume less alcohol.
• Eat less takeaway and snack foods.
• Exercise for approximately 30 minutes at least a few times every week. Introduce more movement into your day - try to accumulate 30 minutes of walking daily.
• Don’t eliminate any food group - choose from a wide range of foods every day instead and choose ‘whole’, less processed foods. Have a regular pattern of eating and stick to it.
• Drink at least 1,500ml of water per day.

Hi Maria,
I have been suffering from sinus for over 10 year now and have tried so many things but nothing has worked. I am about to undergo surgery on my sinuses, I hope this will help as I can hardly breath, smell or taste anything. Will this tonic help?
Brett

Dear Brett,
Thanks for your enquiry. Sinus tonic has helped thousands of people who have been in your situation. Being a chronic sinus sufferer the results may take a little longer, but don’t lose faith be persistant and you will reap the rewards of this natural remedy. Please consult your doctor first regarding your surgery, as they will know best if it is still required. Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Maria