TV Host Dr. Yael Varnado, MD, Shares Her Top Suggestions for Staying Healthy During the Cold and Flu Season
 
During winter, it’s easy to hunker down and avoid exercise and other social setting where the chance of getting sick.  Another approach to winter is to take pro-active steps that can help keep us safe and healthy.   We have trusted health and lifestyle expert, Dr. Yael Varnado, affectionately called “Dr. V,” to show your viewers and listeners where to some timely tips and products to stay as healthy as possible this time of year. “Dr. V” is a practicing physician at John Hopkins Hospital. She has garnered the respect of her peers, patients, and the public with her blend of passion-driven clinical knowledge she shares on network TV shows. Dr. V explains why it is important to recognize that winter provides some special challenges for staying healthy.

AN IMPORTANT WAY TO SURVIVE THE COLD AND FLU SEASON
Being sick is no fun and you are so uncomfortable the whole time. There are ways to minimize your discomfort though. Do you know how your nose gets sore and red when you blow it so much using ordinary tissues? It doesn’t have to. Puffs Plus Lotion is dermatologist tested to be gentle on sensitive skin, and its touch of lotion helps comfort and sooth irritated noses. When you have a cold or the flu, avoid a sore nose by reaching for a soft, soothing tissue, like Puffs Plus Lotion. It will help to comfort and sooth your nose while you are sick which makes a huge difference. A nose in need deserves the comfort of Puffs indeed! For more information, visit www.Puffs.com

WHAT TO DO WHEN SICK  
Last flu season was the worst in nearly a decade. If you do come down with flu this winter, you will be prepared by having Boiron’s Oscillococcinum on hand to help reduce its severity and duration. Recognized as the #1 pharmacist recommended brand, Oscillococcinum is for everyone age 2 and up. It has been shown in clinical studies to relieve flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. This homeopathic medicine is widely available in local supermarkets or pharmacies. It is so easy to take. Individually-packaged doses of small pellets quickly dissolve under the tongue; no water, chewing, or swallowing is required. Kids love the taste! Unlike other flu medicines, Oscillococcinum is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements. For more information, visit www.oscillo.com

SUGGESTIONS TO AVOIDING GETTING SICK THIS TIME OF YEAR
Absolutely. As you know, the main way cold and flu is transmitted is either through direct contact with an infected person, or touching surfaces. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands often and with a quality antibacterial soap. I always keep a bottle of Dial Complete® 2-In-1 Foaming Hand Wash close by. It is an innovative 2-in-1 moisturizing and antibacterial formula that foams up into a rich, creamy lather. It kills 99.99% of bacteria and because of the moisturizing ingredients, it will not dry out your hands, even after repeated washing. It smells good too. It’s available in 4 scents: Manuka Honey, Pearl Essence, Rose Oil, Mint and Shea. Washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to keep from spreading the cold and flu viruses. For more information, visit www.dialsoap.com

OTHER WINTER WELLNESS TIPS
As winter weather sets in, grape juice is the perfect drink to add to your routine. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice provides a massive punch of vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system, especially during the cold winter months. What you might not know is that Welch’s 100% Grape Juice contains more antioxidants than other superfruit juices, such as acai and blueberry; and just one 8-ounce glass of grape juice contains 120% of your daily value of vitamin C. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice crushes the whole grape – thick skin, seeds and all to pack in 400 grapes into each bottle. For more information, visit www.welchs.com