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I'm Michelle Cox -- the owner of Lipstick to Crayons. I’m also a Mom to three kids (a teen, tween and toddler), a professional writer (www.michellemcox.com) and a blogger (www.fromthemom.com). And I love to save money (and help you do the same) via frugal deals and steals, coupons and other thrifty practices. My freelance writing business allows me to enjoy the great balance of being a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, while also making time for blogging, running (ran the Chicago Marathon twice) some amateur photography and scrapbooking. I’m a St. Louis native, although I have lived outside of the city and the state. A few of my passions are amateur photography, scrapbooking and attending kids' sporting events.

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Fight the flu $200 GIVEAWAY

October 1st, 2008 • Related • Filed Under
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The weather is turning cooler and soon we’ll be spending more time indoors which means the spread of germs, colds, and the flu.

According to the Global Hygiene Council only 23 percent of Americans are concerned about their kids coming into contact with potentially harmful germs at home and during cold and flu season alone, 59 percent of surfaces in the home can be contaminated with the flu virus which can survive for up to 48 hours.

Pretty scary.

Dr. Jim Sears, renowned pediatrician and co-host of the new TV show “The Doctors” has some great tips to reduce the spread of germs:

Healthy Habits Produce Healthy Kids

The best strategy to prevent the flu is simple: exercise, sufficient sleep and good nutrition. Help your family maintain a healthy diet packed with vitamins and nutrients, including foods that boost the immune system and thus prevent the onset of illness. Some of these foods include: fish, citrus fruits and leafy vegetables.

Wash Hands Often and Properly

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is the most effective way to stay healthy. Washing hands frequently and properly helps to kill the viruses and bacteria that have collected. Use regular soap and warm water to scrub hands, including the backs, in between fingers and under nails – for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based gel if soap and water are not available. Remind your kids to sneeze and cough into the crux of their elbow and keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth.

Disinfect to Protect

Kids can touch and retouch more than 300 surfaces in just 30 minutes. Protect and prevent the spread of germs by cleaning commonly touched surfaces and objects with a disinfectant such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray. Regular cleaning and disinfecting will help kill cold- and flu-causing viruses and bacteria before anyone in the family gets sick.

Be Prepared to Fight the Flu

Stock up on items such as tissues, vitamin C, throat lozenges, hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray. Keep them in one handy place to make illness prevention even easier.

Consult Your Doctor

Talk with your doctor before cold and flu season begins to determine whether you or your children are candidates for a flu shot. He or she can also recommend appropriate over-the-counter medicines or alternative remedies.

You can find additional prevention tips and advice at Lysol.com.

We are kicking off the cold and flu season with a Fight The Flu Kit Giveaway. The kit is geared for moms on-the-go and is a portable arsenal filled with everything you need to keep your family healthy this cold & flu season.

The kit is valued at $200 and contains the following:

  • JP Lizzy diaper bag that has a removable liner to keep kids safe on public changing tables
  • A portable disinfectant spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Vitamin C
  • Digital thermometer
  • iPod Shuffle to encourage activity
  • Tips from pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears who is also the co-host of the new show The Doctors premiering this fall on CBS and his book “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood”
  • Copy of the 70-page book “Looking After You and Your Baby”

To be entered in the giveaway please leave us a comment with your tips and tricks to keep your family healthy during the cold and flu season.

Receive an additional entry for blogging about the contest and/or subscribing to the mailing list/RSS feed.

Deadline to enter giveaway is Friday, October 31, 2008 at 11:59 pm central time. Be sure to include a valid email address. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by November 5, 2008 they will forfeit their prize to alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

Giveaway only open to residents of the USA and Canada.

Congratulations to our winner, Keeper Of The Cheerios!

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There Are 348 Responses So Far. »

  1. #1 GreatMuscleGains Blog » Blog Archive » Fight the flu $200 GIVEAWAY on October 1, 2008:

    [...] here: Fight the flu $200 GIVEAWAY Read [...]

  2. #2 Jessica C on October 1, 2008:

    I put hand sanitizer by the door, so when the kids come home from school ,they can get the germs off.

  3. #3 Barbara Baker on October 1, 2008:

    My healthy tip (as the mornings and evenings become more chilled) is to take your showers in the evening (blowdrying helps too). It’s just one step that I take to prevent my family from catching the flu.

    Great giveaway, please count me in!!!

  4. #4 hedy on October 1, 2008:

    It’s probably just a placebo effect, but I like Emergen-C.

    hedys last blog post..At least it’ll be good blog fodder, right?

  5. #5 Dawn on October 1, 2008:

    I clean more often and am cautious about others and my surroundings.

  6. #6 Kathy Rambousek on October 1, 2008:

    Washing your hands often and with plenty of water and soap is still the number one way to prevent colds for me.

  7. #7 rachel crisman on October 1, 2008:

    In my house we are very sickly people so we always keep colds!All the tricks listed are just about the only ones I know about to keep people well but I do know that drinking hot drinks when you are ill helps to get better and plenty of water never hurts either.

  8. #8 Cindy on October 1, 2008:

    Get the yearly flu shot! The flu vaccine doesn’t cover every flu strain, but it does cover the predicted strains that are traveling around.

  9. #9 sara l. on October 1, 2008:

    We use lots of sanitizer and Lysol around here! We also play outside as long as the weather is permitting for the fresh air!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

  10. #10 Melissa on October 1, 2008:

    We always get the flu shot and wash our hands like crazy during this time of year! At the first sign of getting sick, I gargle with warm salt water. It always seems to help.

  11. #11 Pam on October 1, 2008:

    We all get the flu vaccine, even the kids. We can’t wash our hands enough, and to keep from spreading our germs, we sneeze into our arms, not our hands.

  12. #12 hoganfe handmade handbag originals on October 1, 2008:

    Oh what a fun way to remember our flu shots!
    mary

    hoganfe handmade handbag originalss last blog post..Amy Butler Quilted Patchwork Portfolio Computer Needlework Market 3 Interior Pockets MESSENGER HOBO PURSE DIAPER BAG BOOK GYM TOTE

  13. #13 Susan Ledet on October 1, 2008:

    I keep hand sanitizer in the car as well as my purse. We make sure that we keep our hands clean.
    I’m not able to take flu shots so I have to be extra careful.

  14. #14 Joe on October 1, 2008:

    Hand lotion and wash hands a lot!

  15. #15 Susan Ledet on October 1, 2008:

    I’m also a subscriber.

  16. #16 pamelarm on October 1, 2008:

    I know it’s old fashioned, but when we’re sick here we always have a hot bowl of soup. Or if it’s evening, a nice warm cup of cocoa; chocolate always makes me feel better!

  17. #17 Teresa on October 1, 2008:

    We take Sambucol everyday and it works like a miracle. We hardly ever get a cold or the flu. We also make sure to always wash our hands.

    Thank you for the great giveaway!
    :)

    themonkinme(at)gmail(dot)com

  18. #18 Amy Castellano on October 1, 2008:

    Wash your hands more frequently in winter to prevent germs! Also, I drink Emergen-C everyday.

  19. #19 Pam on October 1, 2008:

    We are constantly washing our hands. And trying not to touch our faces with our hands. It seems to have worked so far.

  20. #20 Tracey Byram on October 1, 2008:

    Last year we started using Clorox Anywhere Spray and we had fewer colds than ever before. With Liz in school, she brings home colds to the rest of us like a gift. But not last year and not so far this year. I highly recommend Clorox Anywhere Spray. It has no smell, can be used ANYWHERE and doesn’t need to be rinsed off. Also, despite the name Clorox, it does not contain chlorine bleach.

  21. #21 Maja on October 1, 2008:

    Wash hands more, dress warmer, not drinking cold drinks with ice, wear slippers.

  22. #22 Margaret Smith on October 1, 2008:

    My biggest tip is to have everyone in the family wash their hands. Whenever we come into the house, weather from school, the store, or work, we wash our hands. Always before eating our hands get washed. If someone is in the family has a cold, we taught them to cough into their arm, not their hands and to wash, wash, wash.
    Thanks for offering this giveaway.

  23. #23 Rebecca C on October 1, 2008:

    We teach our childrens to sneeze and cough into their elbows, we also wash our hands regularly!

    legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

    Rebecca Cs last blog post..Pink October!

  24. #24 Rebecca C on October 1, 2008:

    I blogged about this giveaway:Here

    legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

    Rebecca Cs last blog post..Pink October!

  25. #25 Rebecca C on October 1, 2008:

    I am a subscriber!

    legacyofbrutalitysa{AT}gmail.com

    Rebecca Cs last blog post..Pink October!

  26. #26 J Giovenco on October 1, 2008:

    Lots of Vitamin C and hand washing!

  27. #27 Lindsay on October 1, 2008:

    I’m a big believer in constantly washing your hands! My two year old is getting better at it and I’m proud to say that he has never had the flu….And now I just stuck my foot in my mouth!

  28. #28 Tiffany Lane on October 1, 2008:

    I always have hand sanitizer on hand.

  29. #29 Adrienne Gordon on October 1, 2008:

    wash your hands all he time.

  30. #30 Kara on October 1, 2008:

    We was our hands a lot, and take vitamins.

    Karas last blog post..Sewing Fun!

  31. #31 Alicia Webster on October 1, 2008:

    Lots and lots of exercise. I am convinced that the more often that my kids are outdoors running around, the fewer number of times they get sick. Also, if they DO get sick, then they will inevitably be staying indoors, so exercise allows them the much needed time outdoors so there is less whining when forced to come inside.
    Alicia Webster
    5webs@comcast.net

  32. #32 Denise on October 1, 2008:

    Take lots of vitamin C and wash your hands often.

  33. #33 Chi on October 1, 2008:

    For us, it’s lots of bundling up and vitamin C! Prevention is the best cure and whatnot :D

    Chis last blog post..** HOT ** User Submitted Blog Contests!

  34. #34 Carol on October 1, 2008:

    I make sure to have fun different liquid hand soaps by each sink in the house. The kids love to push down on the lever and get soap to come out, and it makes them wash their hands more, keeping the spread of germs way down.

  35. #35 Alicia Zemer on October 1, 2008:

    flu

  36. #36 Chrissy on October 1, 2008:

    Washing hands often is my favorite way to stay away from colds! Thanks :-)

  37. #37 Sandy on October 1, 2008:

    WASHING HANDS, USING GERM SANITIZERS AND REMINDING THEM DO NOT SHARE CUPS

  38. #38 Hil'Lesha on October 1, 2008:

    We all take our vitamins and I drink Herbal Vaccine tea often.

  39. #39 Cynthia Hagood on October 1, 2008:

    Wash hands over and over. Drink out of your glass.

  40. #40 Victoria S. on October 1, 2008:

    Any time I come home, no matter where we were, all of us wash our hands and I keep hand sanitizer in the car for times when I’m running around all day.

  41. #41 jffryclough on October 1, 2008:

    wash your hands

  42. #42 Brian on October 1, 2008:

    Go vegan!
    Meat – It’s whats rotting in your colon!

  43. #43 Kaelan rhiannon on October 1, 2008:

    we have a “try not to touch your face” rule. We also use soaps and towels that are fun to encourage hand washing.

  44. #44 karissa on October 1, 2008:

    we do a lot of handwashing, but I think sometimes even more important then that is we eat just as many veggies and fruits in the winter as we do in the summer! keeps our immune systems high so airborne bacteria will also get thrown up by our might immune systems!

  45. #45 Stephanie V on October 1, 2008:

    I insist on washing hands at least 5 times a day. Also, when one child is sick they have to stay in their room in hopes of not getting the others sick.

  46. #46 karissa on October 1, 2008:

    signed up for RSS feed!

  47. #47 Lisa G on October 1, 2008:

    I say wash wash wash those hands and keep your hands from touching your nose and mouth. They bring in all the germs.

  48. #48 Maggie Mannwieler on October 1, 2008:

    My best tip is frequent hand washing, and for the adults, take Zinc tablets to ward off colds and flu and lots of Vitamin C (mega doses for adults). Bathe little kids at night (or right after dinner) and thoroughly dry their hair.

    Great giveaway! Thanks!!!

  49. #49 Rebecca Snodgrass on October 1, 2008:

    I try to keep everything clean and disinfected and then make sure we wash our hands often.

  50. #50 Lisa L. on October 1, 2008:

    stay away from known sick folks. If you are in a store and someone is coughing, get away.
    wash your hands a lot.
    Take your vitamins, plenty of rest too.

  51. #51 Emily B on October 1, 2008:

    Hand washing is a big one but I also make sure that meals are healthy and that if we feel a cold or flu coming on we fight it with lots of sleep and echinacea!

  52. #52 Bonnie Gee on October 1, 2008:

    Great Gift count me in!

  53. #53 Hayley G. on October 1, 2008:

    For me hand washing and a flu shot (if you work at a school or in a hospital) are best!

  54. #54 Amy Tucker on October 1, 2008:

    This is going to sound cliche, but I make sure everyone washes their hands. I also put out germ blaster everywhere including the car.

  55. #55 Jenn S. on October 1, 2008:

    I clean the door knobs and light switches often with sanitizer. I also have taught the kids to cough into the inside of their elbows so germs won’t spread as easily. And of course wash hands often.

  56. #56 Patty on October 1, 2008:

    I always made sure that my family got plenty of fresh air – even in the colder weather

  57. #57 Connie Miller on October 1, 2008:

    I spray my mattresses with Lysol disinfectant every time I change the bedding.

  58. #58 Sarah Albers on October 1, 2008:

    Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards and counter tops in the kitchen to kill germs.

  59. #59 Viv on October 1, 2008:

    My best tip is to take a Cold-Eeze at the very first sign of a cold.

  60. #60 judy brittle on October 1, 2008:

    I found Oust surface disinfectant & air sanitizer its suppose to kill 99.9% of germs and viruses,plenty of vitamin c,hand washing often of course and telling my grandkids to cover your mouth when they sneeze or cough.
    The kit is wonderful. Thank you!

  61. #61 judy brittle on October 1, 2008:

    I’m a subscriber.

  62. #62 Huguette E. on October 1, 2008:

    Best way to stay away from those nasty germs is to wash your hands often!

  63. #63 Cori Westphal on October 1, 2008:

    I always have Lysol wipes in my purse ready for the shopping cart. Most stores have those wipes by the door but I don’t trust what’s in them and they are usually empty. Thanks for the great contest!

  64. #64 Huguette E. on October 1, 2008:

    Subscribed by email :)

  65. #65 Cori Westphal on October 1, 2008:

    I’m also subscribed. Thanks!

  66. #66 David Guss on October 1, 2008:

    We have everyone wash their hands before eating.

  67. #67 ashley on October 1, 2008:

    Staying in a keeping busy and spending time outdoors always seems to keep my healthy.

  68. #68 Cindi on October 1, 2008:

    I hope my sons have learned to wash their hands a lot! Also, to not share drinks with anyone. I think cleaning the computer keyboard frequently is very important! My sons take a multivitamin daily, also. All of us use saline nasal spray to help flush out the nasal passages. Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks, Cindi

  69. #69 Cindi on October 1, 2008:

    I am subscribed to your feed via my Yahoo Reader. Thanks, Cindi

  70. #70 hazel on October 1, 2008:

    Pack little wipes in their lunches so that they clean their hands before eating lunch

  71. #71 Dianne on October 2, 2008:

    During cold season I keep paper towels by the bathroom sinks instead of cloth towels. Damp hand towels can harbor a lot of germs and viruses.

  72. #72 crystal on October 2, 2008:

    During cold season i make alot of vegetable soups with alot of garlic and herbs. For the grown ups we drink thyme tea and keep ourselves hydrated.I also burn eucalyptus essential oil and add a couple drops in a spray bottle to spray things like door knobs and phones.

  73. #73 crystal on October 2, 2008:

    I am happily a new subscriber!!

  74. #74 Erica C. on October 2, 2008:

    everyone has hand disinfect with them at all times!

  75. #75 Diana on October 2, 2008:

    One thing I always do is clean shopping cart handles and anywhere else on them with an antibacterial wipe before I put the kids in them or let them grab onto them. It takes one minute to do but I really think it cuts down on the germs we get on our hands.

  76. #76 corie on October 2, 2008:

    I always wash my hands with hot water and soap, then use a hand sanitizer. Also, regularly cleaning all the doorknobs in the house and lightswitches with antibacterial wipes. When we go out, there is always sanitizer and the wipes in my purse!!!

    cories last blog post..–Just a note about my 1st giveaway–

  77. #77 corie on October 2, 2008:

    A new subscriber, love your blog!!! :)

    cories last blog post..–Just a note about my 1st giveaway–

  78. #78 Lynn H on October 2, 2008:

    I make sure that my family takes a daily vitamin and eat healthy!

  79. #79 Cheryl Riecke on October 2, 2008:

    Wash your hands a lot

  80. #80 Meredith Peters on October 2, 2008:

    Handwashing and Ecinacea tea,strong ,boiled for 10 minutes. I buy the echinacea in bulk at the healthfood store.

  81. #81 Deborah Rosen on October 2, 2008:

    I sing the “wash your hands” mantra; disinfect door knobs and light switches daily; daily doses of chicken soup, juice with vitamin C and vitamins.

  82. #82 Heather S on October 2, 2008:

    We use Zinc and Vitamin C chewable lozenges. They taste good and give you a double dose of flu/cold fighting benefits.

  83. #83 Kristina on October 2, 2008:

    Make sure you wash your hand properly, with warm water and soap after you used public transit, touched doors and after shopping. Taking disinfectant wipes with you wherever you go so you can wipe your kids hands often (before they put them in their mouth!) is a good idea, too.

  84. #84 Susan C on October 2, 2008:

    Washing our hands everytime we come in the house is the best thing we do. I also use sanitizing wipes on the kids toys.
    Great prize package!

  85. #85 Nikki on October 2, 2008:

    I make sure that there is always a steady supply of hand sanitizer, hand soap, and lysol. When they come home from school they have to use the sanitizer immediately. Washing hands before supper is a must as well.

  86. #86 Karen M on October 2, 2008:

    I make sure to use Clorox wipes on all surfaces, I spray with Lysol and I insist on handwashing!!

  87. #87 Sky on October 2, 2008:

    I’m a public librarian…so I see it all. You wouldn’t believe the people who come in hacking and coughing telling us they are sick and stayed home from work…but they need something to read or movies to watch for the day. I don’t want to bring THAT home to my kids, so I’m contantly washing my hands in hot water with soap. Plus, I take the anti bacterial wipes and clean door knobs, counter tops daily. I also use them in my car. I carry a stash with me!

    We also consume a lot of vitamin C, and go for walks in the evening. I like to air out the house, but my husband complains when it’s too cold! :)

    Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!

    seeryusfam@msn.com

    Skys last blog post..Flair High Chair

  88. #88 Sky on October 2, 2008:

    I’m a subscriber via google reader!

    seeryusfam@msn.com

    Skys last blog post..Flair High Chair

  89. #89 Brooke on October 2, 2008:

    Hand washing is a must here. Wipes or sanitizer for out in public when washing isn’t available… Plus some vitamin c everyday… wiicked13 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  90. #90 Sarah Z. on October 2, 2008:

    My baby is due next week, so my husband and I are already thinking about how to best protect him/her from flu germs. We’ve placed bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the house. When visitors come into town, we plan to have a strict hand-washing rule before anyone touches the baby. Lots of hand-washing is the key!

  91. #91 stephanie on October 2, 2008:

    lots of juice, fruit and healthy meals and I carry a bottle of hand sanitizer around with me all the time.

  92. #92 Prema on October 2, 2008:

    Get the flu shot, and lots of fruits and healthy foods.

  93. #93 Vergie on October 2, 2008:

    germs are not all bad.

  94. #94 Kate on October 2, 2008:

    wash hands often, carry hand sanitiser at all times and use it often, spray Lysol on all hard surfaces in the home including the door knobs and phone

  95. #95 denyse on October 2, 2008:

    We take vitamins and keep our hands washed.

  96. #96 Brandlyn on October 2, 2008:

    I always clean door knobs with lysol and always make sure there are plenty of sinus medication in the house and also plenty of orange juice and apples in the fridge.

  97. #97 Denise B. on October 2, 2008:

    The most important thing you can do is to air out the house daily for about 30 minutes. People get sick from the germs and bacteria that build up in the stagnet air, and nothing else you eat or do are not going to help if you don’t get fresh air in the house.

  98. #98 Betty King on October 2, 2008:

    We do plenty of handwashing and take Vitamin C and E everyday, I also use a lot of Lysol.

  99. #99 leloni on October 2, 2008:

    Use plenty of hand sanitizer

  100. #100 Lauralee Hensley on October 2, 2008:

    Make sure everyone in your household washes their hands upon returning to your home.Wash the inside and outside doorknobs of your home, not just the main doors, but bedroom, bathroom, etc. and the sink faucet turnons/offs and toliet handles, with disinfectant solution or hot soapy water everyday once everyone in your house has washed their hands. Teach everyone to sing happy birthday through two times to themselves while washing their hands and again when rinsing their hands, so the soap has had enough time to kill the germs.

  101. #101 kristina jones on October 2, 2008:

    Years ago I had an adverse reaction to a flu shot, now I can’t take the shot anymore. In our house I get everyone else vaccinated for the flu and we all wash our hands ALL the time. So far our family is doing good at staying healthy.

  102. #102 Sonja T on October 2, 2008:

    When we’re out and about, I insist on opening doors for my kids. At this point I’m much more aware of what I do with my hands than they are! Also, I keep a full size hand sanitizer in the car in one of the cup holders.

  103. #103 Robin Farnsworth on October 2, 2008:

    stock up on Vitamin C

  104. #104 Staci K on October 2, 2008:

    we wash our hands like crazy and everyone gets a flu shot.

  105. #105 Meredith S. on October 2, 2008:

    Flu shots, vitamins and lots of hand washing.

  106. #106 Casey H on October 2, 2008:

    I’d love to win this one, my husband works in a 35 degree room all day so he’s the one why tries not to get sick the most so he takes echinnaesea. I know I spelled that wrong!!

    Casey Hs last blog post..End and Beginning of the Month!!

  107. #107 susan varney on October 2, 2008:

    wash your hands alot

  108. #108 Jo on October 2, 2008:

    lots and lots of handwashing and disinfecting
    jceko77@yahoo.com

  109. #109 Julia Magrath on October 2, 2008:

    Lots of hand washing and home made chicken soup.

  110. #110 Judy Oelsen on October 2, 2008:

    Always use germ killer. Keep it in the car, in your purse, and all through the house!

  111. #111 Jennifer on October 2, 2008:

    I was just thinking last night about when to get our flu shots with the recent outbreak of colds in our neighbourhood. The sooner the better I suppose! I clean a lot during the winter months to try to keep the germs at bay. The biggest culprit is the school of course, but if everyone trained their children to cough and sneeze into their forearms we’d be a lot better off…

  112. #112 Linda Lansford on October 2, 2008:

    I encourage friends and family to get flu shots. I wash my hands more often

  113. #113 betty rood on October 2, 2008:

    My biggest tip is lysol!!! i spray,spray spray and take vitamin c.alas we don’t foget the flu shot…My hubby swears by vinegar and drinks a shot a day!has for 4 years and he does rarely get sick,when he does it is nothing like the rest.He recovers in just a couple days…so ….

    please enter me in this and i thank you…

  114. #114 betty rood on October 2, 2008:

    i also have you added to blog with links…

  115. #115 betty rood on October 2, 2008:

    subsribed also..really like your site!!! would really ike to win…good luck everyone..

  116. #116 charline s on October 2, 2008:

    frequent hand washing

  117. #117 RobKdude on October 2, 2008:

    Moms ROCK! (…and dads are pretty good guys too) I fill in the mommy roll in my house and my formula for keeping a healthy 4 year old is simple.
    1. ALL THE SLEEP my baby needs. When she can’t sleep any more, she is rested. Ever notice you can’t oversleep? Once those batteries are fully charged you CAN’T SLEEP! You WANT to get out of bed and if you’ve never experienced that, go back to sleep! =) Your body will thank you.
    2. WORK HARD and PLAY HARD. Exercise is HUGE. Your body has no circulatory organ for the lymph. It is circulated by gravity during exercise. Am I preaching again!? Sorry…
    3. Keep your fat intake below 10% of total calories and carbs high! This “low carb” is a lot of balogna! The only fuel the cells of the human body can use is glucose or fructose. Whatever else you eat must first be converted by the process of “gluconeogenesis” (big word that just means “making new sugar”) and this is very exhausting for poor bod. Your failure to lose weight is nothing more than more calories in (food) than calories out (metabolism plus exercise.)
    In this way my family builds health instead of running away from sickness. I hope this helps as many people as it helped me when I found out about it in 7th grade. Good luck to everyone.

  118. #118 Geraldine Durant on October 2, 2008:

    I clean thoroughly every day especially high traffic areas and make sure everyone uses hand sanitizer. Exercise is important too.

  119. #119 Jen on October 2, 2008:

    I open the windows a couple of times a week to let the fresh air in. I also use disposable gloves to clean the bathroom with so I don’t get sick. If I get sick, nothing gets done around here.

    I also sleep with the window open, even in the dead of winter, to keep the fresh air in.

  120. #120 Jen on October 2, 2008:

    signed up for email, also forgot to add wash wash wash the hands

  121. #121 Kathy D on October 2, 2008:

    Wash Hands wash hands…. and clean counter tops and clean toys…. I have to keep everything clean with three little boys running around the farm….

  122. #122 Kimberly B on October 2, 2008:

    Staying active and eating healthy.
    thanx for the contest.

  123. #123 Kari Dennis on October 2, 2008:

    Keep a good supply of hand sanitizer .

  124. #124 Gina Stratos on October 2, 2008:

    Clean hands and Vitamin C
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  125. #125 Gina Stratos on October 2, 2008:

    Subscriber
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

  126. #126 Janet F on October 3, 2008:

    After I clean I spray Lysol over all of the door knobs, phones, toilet handle, sink handles. fridge and microwave doors, and the kitchen table.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  127. #127 Janet F on October 3, 2008:

    I subscribed by email.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  128. #128 Janet F on October 3, 2008:

    I blogged this giveaway here:

    http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/2008/10/october-blog-giveaways.html

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  129. #129 Kirsten on October 3, 2008:

    Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

  130. #130 Krista on October 3, 2008:

    Lots and lots of fluids, the low-sugar kind. Plenty of vitamin-rich foods and always always washing hands!!

    Thanks for the sweeps!

  131. #131 Maquel on October 3, 2008:

    PUREL! We carry it everywhere. Whenever someone gets home from school or an activity, they wash their hands before playing with anything.

  132. #132 Stacey Brown on October 3, 2008:

    I make sure I remind everyone to wash their hands and carry hand sanitizer for school. Everyone also gets a nice big glass of OJ for breakfast!

  133. #133 Rosanne Morrison on October 3, 2008:

    Stay rested so our immune systems cna fight off the germs

  134. #134 Terri D on October 3, 2008:

    Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands.

  135. #135 Deborah Wellenstein on October 3, 2008:

    Wash those hands! Thanks!

  136. #136 Pat Connors on October 3, 2008:

    Always wash your hands upon entering the house…Thanks for the contest.

  137. #137 alison on October 3, 2008:

    We always rest, drink lots of water, and have some hot soup!

  138. #138 Tammy Kennedy on October 3, 2008:

    Antibactrial soap, hand sanitizer and vitamin c by using produce that contain the vitamin c. I feel that I’m helping to keep my children from getting sick. Also drink plenty of fluids to keep body hydrated. I also make sure to have them get plenty of sleep. Sneeze in the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading.
    Thank you for all your time, effort and energy to provide us with some awesome gifts.

    camper223@live.com

  139. #139 michelle maddock on October 3, 2008:

    Just wash your hands and the kids hands as much as possible, count me in on this one.

  140. #140 Sara on October 3, 2008:

    We try to wash our hands as much as possible, and carry sanitizer in the car. I also avoid friends who have just been sick or kids have just been sick. It seems to help a bit. I am a big believer in flu shots, too. My son and I get one, my hubby doesn’t. If we get sick it seems like he always gets it much worse than us.

  141. #141 Deanne on October 3, 2008:

    You can make yourself CRAZY by watching out for every possible contaminate. I began getting a little compulsive about it last year as I had a newborn at home and a 3 year old who bought home everything from preschool. The one thing I do stick with is washing hands ANY time before we eat and I carry antibacterial wipes in the car and in my purse so I can wipe down things like shopping carts.

  142. #142 Judith T on October 3, 2008:

    Do you ever wonder how friends can stop by with sick kids? So me if the kids are sick they stay home! Also have on hand the necessary medicines like cough drops, tylenol etc. When you are out bring santi wipes, don’t touch door handles, if you have an infant use the drop cloth into carts, geeze I could go on and on…lol

  143. #143 ab on October 3, 2008:

    Our biggest way of trying to fight the flu (besides staying on top of flu shots!) is frequent, thorough, effective handwashing. We encourage our children to make sure to wash after coming home for school for one, after having been around so many different germs. We’ve actually sat and taught them how to really wash (not just a quick rinse, squeeze of soap DONE! and have them sing a song to themselves while they do it to ensure they are giving it enough time.

  144. #144 Sonya Sparks on October 3, 2008:

    We wash our hands more. I also don’t take Gracie to places like McDonald’s or Burger King during the winter. Too many bugs on all of those jungle gyms :)

    Sonya Sparkss last blog post..The Hana Professional Flat Iron

  145. #145 Miranda Allen on October 3, 2008:

    i carry hand sanatizer everywhere

  146. #146 VickieA on October 3, 2008:

    I wash my hands constantly.

  147. #147 Miranda Kuskie on October 3, 2008:

    We are constantly washing our hands and I use a cart cover so when I’m pushing my son in the cart I don’t have to worry about us catching anything… you’d be surprised what you can catch from just pushing a cart.

    Miranda Kuskies last blog post..Easy Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese

  148. #148 julie on October 4, 2008:

    I have everyone get the flu shot and hand sanitizer always
    3beez at bellsouth dot net

  149. #149 Jess on October 4, 2008:

    I got the flu shot and avoid hand sanitizers and encourage exposure. It sounds insane but really, using hand sanitizers just increases the percentage of super germs by killing off the ‘weak’ ones. Increasing exposure early creates a stronger immune response.

    It’s kind of like not finishing an antibiotic regimen – anything left over is stronger and much harder to kill.

  150. #150 Chris on October 4, 2008:

    I wash my hands and eat healthy, and listen to my girlfriend complain about microbiology and people not understanding why hand sanitizers are bad for their health.

  151. #151 Bridgitte on October 4, 2008:

    zinc tabs crushed in a coffee blender add to oj take everyday :)

  152. #152 Mya Brooks on October 4, 2008:

    Drink lots of vitamin C and wash your hands!

  153. #153 B.W. on October 4, 2008:

    Chicken soup.

  154. #154 Valerie Mitchell on October 4, 2008:

    wash your hands a lot :)

  155. #155 Nancy Haitsuka on October 4, 2008:

    My dd and I got the flu shot last year and we stayed healthy well past flu season. In fact, our only cold developed 7-8 months later. I encourage frequent hand washing and healthy eating habits also. Hope to win my first blogging contest! Thanks for having it.

  156. #156 Margret Stephens on October 4, 2008:

    Lots of fluids and Vitamin C

  157. #157 Angie P on October 4, 2008:

    I become a hand washing fanatic, even more than usual, when cold & flu season hits.
    Great giveway~thanks!

  158. #158 Kendra on October 4, 2008:

    hand sanitizer and herbal products like Airborne

  159. #159 Alicia Maes on October 4, 2008:

    We get the Flu shot, wash our hands and keep things sanitized!!!

  160. #160 Jenny H on October 4, 2008:

    Extended breastfeeding! I think it keeps my daughter from catching colds, at the very least.

    the_other_alice_(at)yahoo.com

    Jenny Hs last blog post..Just Say No (to ‘Poo)

  161. #161 Alecia Gibson on October 4, 2008:

    To fight the flu, get in at least one large glass of orange juice a day. The vitamin C will help your immune system.

    agsweeps [@] hotmail [.] com

    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  162. #162 Cathy on October 4, 2008:

    We stay away from other sick people and drink extra orange juice.

  163. #163 Emily in CA on October 4, 2008:

    All things mentioned here–plus santizing frequently used things regularly as in: doorknobs, keys, countertops, armrests–and doing the same at work–to keep the germs at bay!
    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!

  164. #164 Donna on October 4, 2008:

    Washing hands and staying away from sick people is the best way to get through the flu season without getting sick.

  165. #165 kristi blackstone on October 5, 2008:

    I have a newborn that I won’t be getting out much to keep well. I make sure my 5 year old is warm and ears and head are covered

    kristi blackstones last blog post..Custom Initialed Box

  166. #166 David Bertolo on October 5, 2008:

    Drink or die. So I drink plenty of booze daily to keep the doctor away.

  167. #167 Julane Jenison on October 5, 2008:

    During cold and flu season, I regularly change my family’s toothbrushes.

  168. #168 Shari D on October 5, 2008:

    Cold Fx when we feel a cold coming on, seems to do the trick.

  169. #169 Gaye McGill on October 5, 2008:

    We do our best to protect against the flu bug by drinking lots of water, getting a good night’s sleep, and eating properly (regular helpings of fruits and veggies).

  170. #170 Teresa Hoyt on October 5, 2008:

    During the cold and flu season, I always disinfect doorknobs daily! I also always tell my kids to push the handle down with their feet on public toilets. Weird, I know! Thanks!

  171. #171 Elizabeth M. on October 5, 2008:

    We encourage plenty of handwashing and try to discourage touching our eyes and face to help prevent germs from getting in.

  172. #172 eleanor greenly on October 5, 2008:

    washing ahnds really often and when out use purell and avoid tocuhing places where you know will be germ heaven..

    thanks for a fantastic giveaway
    el

  173. #173 Delilah M Vela on October 5, 2008:

    I stress washing hands all the time. When out in public use paper towel of cloth to open door knobs of public bathrooms. We carry wipes for our hands when using a crocry cart. I work in childcare and I am amazed at all the different dieases we are exposed to every week. And we are located in a very big hospital with children whos parents are in the medical field.

  174. #174 Lisa Fosses on October 5, 2008:

    flu shots, wash hands often

  175. #175 Vicki Wurgler on October 5, 2008:

    washing your hands often is the most important tip, plus the boys have a bottle of hand sanitizer in their desk they can use. And we are all getting our flu shots this month

  176. #176 Crys Lewis on October 5, 2008:

    We take lots of Vitamin C and also put ALC in our tea or juice in the mornings.

  177. #177 Kari Follett on October 5, 2008:

    Wash, wash, wash those hands!!

  178. #178 Anna on October 5, 2008:

    The main thing is to keep hands washed and use disinfectant wipes to wipe down shopping carts when we go shopping!

    Annas last blog post..Grocery Game: Total Savings for Sept. ‘08

  179. #179 Carla Spence on October 5, 2008:

    Wear a scarf! And of course squeeze in some exercise everyday

  180. #180 Jill Miller on October 5, 2008:

    Lots of water and vegetables to eat, and plenty of sleep.

  181. #181 susan on October 5, 2008:

    Wash your hands as often as possible.

  182. #182 Ginny on October 5, 2008:

    Washing hands is the biggest! Vitamin C just in case :)

    Ginnys last blog post..Mom & Daughter Costume Ideas

  183. #183 Lauren on October 5, 2008:

    I stay away from sickies.

  184. #184 Jessica Cote on October 5, 2008:

    We get flu shots, keep hand sanitizer around and clean often to get rid of germs!

  185. #185 Ilissa H. on October 5, 2008:

    My best tip is to wash you hands and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If everyone did this, not nearly as many people would be sick. Thanks for the chance!

  186. #186 Ilissa H. on October 5, 2008:

    I blogged about your giveaway here: http://everythingupclose.blogspot.com/2008/10/giveaway-list.html

    Ilissa H.s last blog post..Giveaway List – 10/4

  187. #187 Brandy on October 5, 2008:

    Don’t share drinks and keeping my families hands clean and surfaces too!

  188. #188 Lisa on October 5, 2008:

    I use a ton of hand sanitizer during the cold/flu season. I’m try hard to teach my kid how to stay clean, to fight off germs.

  189. #189 Noreen on October 6, 2008:

    I always use hand santizer when we are out and I have them sneeze and cough into their elbows

    Noreens last blog post..My Sleeping Princesses

  190. #190 Erica G on October 6, 2008:

    Our best and first line of defense is to wash our hands often. We also take our daily vitamins to help boost our immune system.

  191. #191 Maureen on October 6, 2008:

    Put small packets of tissues in backpacks and
    disinfectent wipes in sealed baggies in school lunchboxes. Get the flu shots and concentrate on healthy foods (fruits and veggies).

  192. #192 Tammy on October 7, 2008:

    Sanitizer, sanitizer, sanitizer and clorox bleach wipes.
    We also try to eat right…I think when you are worn down you are more likely to pick up a bug.

    Tammys last blog post..I have a pet peeve….

  193. #193 Monique Rizzo on October 7, 2008:

    Wash hands and take vitamins!

  194. #194 Amy W on October 7, 2008:

    Everyone in my family will be getting a flu shot. We also wash our hands frequently and I disinfect all the doorknobs with Lysol.

  195. #195 sarah on October 7, 2008:

    Keeping our immune system up all year long by eating healthy organic foods.

  196. #196 Jennifer M on October 7, 2008:

    We drink more water and more balanced meals in addition to washing our hands more regularly.

  197. #197 Michelle L. on October 8, 2008:

    Plenty of fluids and more than usual hand washing.

  198. #198 Sarah Hirsch on October 8, 2008:

    The best advice for staying healthy is to wash hands frequently! I also advise my kids to do less sharing – don’t share drinks and food with other kids and be careful about picking up toys if it seems like someone who has been using them is sneezing, etc. Keep up with a regular healthy lifestyle of eating healthy and getting good sleep, and hopefully you’ll steer free of illness.

  199. #199 Matt Carroll on October 8, 2008:

    I always make sure to wipe the shopping cart handle down with an antibacterial wipe before I go shopping.

  200. #200 Marjorie on October 8, 2008:

    Handwashing so often you have to keep lotion at all the sinks!

  201. #201 Michele P on October 8, 2008:

    washing hands with antibacterial soaps, plenty of kleenex around, vitamin c drops just in case we aren’t getting enough, plenty of OTC remedies to nip it in the bud, and if someone is sick stay away from them if you can until they feel better, so don’t go visiting anyone who is a bit under the weather unless ya have to!

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  202. #202 Angie on October 8, 2008:

    We use frequent handwashing and use the hand sanitizer when we are shopping, etc. We also get the flu shot every year. We try to eat right, most of the time, take vitamins drink lots of water.

    Nice giveaway, thank you,
    baileybobby6(at)hotmail.com

  203. #203 Victoria V. on October 9, 2008:

    Flu shots and plenty of liquids.

  204. #204 Bruke on October 9, 2008:

    I carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer with me everywhere. In my purse, van, lunchbag at work, kid’s backpacks. There are so many germs out there on everything you touch that you can never be too careful.

  205. #205 Carolyn Nedrow on October 9, 2008:

    What we try to do is eat healthy, drink sufficient fluids and get plenty of rest! It really helps!!!
    cjnedrow@gmail.com

  206. #206 Virgie on October 9, 2008:

    Plenty of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and avoid touching your nose and mouth with unclean hands.

  207. #207 Sarah on October 9, 2008:

    We get our shots and we are constantly mindful of hand washing and back that up with antibacterial liquid. I think something also that people underestimate is the appropriate amount of sleep for bodies to repair.

  208. #208 Molly Capel on October 9, 2008:

    I try to wipe down things with the anti bac wipes, and am vigilant with hand washing.

  209. #209 Danielle on October 10, 2008:

    Airborne is a lifesaver! We keep our family healthy by taking these every day!

  210. #210 Rachel Robertson on October 10, 2008:

    I try so hard to keep our home as germ free and flu free as possible. I feel so helpless when I see my younger daughter sick and it always breaks my heart. I use just about every antibacterial hand cleaner I can find and try to always wipe down all surfaces with antibacterial wipes. I know that washing hands is the best defense against germs but I admit that I try and do other things just as an added measure.

  211. #211 Elaine on October 10, 2008:

    Thanks for all the tips…remember the flu shot…early! Enter me, please!!!!

  212. #212 Donna Kozar on October 10, 2008:

    Vitamin C is very important and handwashing.
    donna444444@yahoo.com

  213. #213 Donna K on October 10, 2008:

    I subscribed to your feed.

  214. #214 Paula S on October 10, 2008:

    Handwashing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infections.

  215. #215 Lisa Ellis on October 10, 2008:

    I wash my hands alot to prevent the spread of germs!
    lisae819(at)yahoo(dot)com

  216. #216 crystal on October 10, 2008:

    I use a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle with water and keep in my purse to spray areas and hands. I also burn some in a burner to clean the air at home.

  217. #217 April G. on October 10, 2008:

    handwashing!

  218. #218 Donna Hunt on October 10, 2008:

    We take our vitamins–especially any antioxident formulas–and wash our hands and wrists under warm soapy water for at least 30 seconds. We also try to get at least 8 hours sleep each night.
    Thank you for the contest!

  219. #219 Gary Emes on October 12, 2008:

    Wash hands regularly

  220. #220 Tamara Bennington on October 13, 2008:

    My children carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in their back packs and I have a bottle in my pruse at all times. We also eat alot of fresh fruit,vegetables and take our multi vitamins to stay healthy during the flu season.
    tamben7996@aol.com

  221. #221 Tamara Bennington on October 13, 2008:

    I am a subscriber.

  222. #222 ann on October 13, 2008:

    i just got over the flu! my main tip is to just stay away from others when you have the flu, i didn’t go to class to prevent my classmates from getting sick and also stayed away from family members.

  223. #223 Vicki Wurgler on October 14, 2008:

    I wash my hands alot and nag the kids too. I carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse. I also take more vitamin D & C

  224. #224 Tim on October 14, 2008:

    Wash hands often and avoid touching mouth and nose with hands

  225. #225 Casey P. on October 14, 2008:

    I keep my family healthy by making it a point to get out of the house at least twice a week. I truly believe that sunlight is the best disinfectant.

  226. #226 tanya on October 15, 2008:

    never touch shopin carts.Wash after shoping.

  227. #227 Carol Drury on October 15, 2008:

    the single best thing we can do is to wash out hands frequently!

  228. #228 Aimee M K on October 15, 2008:

    We skip on the flu shots and chew, chew, chew Vitamin C and Zinc tablets all season long!

  229. #229 Judie D on October 16, 2008:

    I get a flu shot every year. wash my hands every chance I get. Take vit C–and keep hand sanitizer in every room, and wash all doorknobs–my phones etc with Lysol wipes—–Judie

  230. #230 Karen Gonyea on October 16, 2008:

    Vitamins :)

  231. #231 Janelle on October 16, 2008:

    We drink OJ for breakfast, try to eat lots of veggies, get plenty of rest, and use proper handwashing techniques. I keep a bottle of hand-sanitizer in my purse for our travels.

  232. #232 Kayce C on October 16, 2008:

    Take Zinc and Vitamin C, plus go to bed earlier.

  233. #233 Evelyn Powers on October 17, 2008:

    We eat more cinnamon – which boosts the body’s own immune system. Also oregano and garlic.

  234. #234 Kathy Conley on October 17, 2008:

    Carry portable hand sanitizer along everywhere a use it often!

  235. #235 tmcallister on October 17, 2008:

    We are hand washing freaks at our house! My daughter also has hand sanitizer strapped to her backpack to use throughout the day at school. Good vitamins, exercise, and keeping up on your rest also seems to help us.

  236. #236 Emilie P on October 18, 2008:

    I wish that I had something unique to add but I always try to wash my hands often and always carry hand sanitizer. My family never forgets flu shots either. Thanks so much for the giveaway. This would be awesome for the 2 year old and 8 month old!

  237. #237 tracey on October 18, 2008:

    wash, wash and wash!

  238. #238 mona on October 18, 2008:

    Washing hands for 15 seconds hands down is the best way to keep germs at bay and doing it as often as needed. If my throat gets a little scratchy, I tend to drink a glass of hot tea or a hot cup of cocoa. Vitamin C is also a good thing to take.

  239. #239 Tammy on October 18, 2008:

    We get a flu shot every year!

  240. #240 Noelia Gutierrez on October 19, 2008:

    Flu shots always, hand washing.

  241. #241 Bonnie Schmeck on October 20, 2008:

    Extra vitamin C along with our daily multi-vitamin seems to help us.

  242. #242 Kelly S on October 20, 2008:

    I will wash/wipe the door knobs, light switches, remotes, railings, counters, & tables soo much my husband makes fun of me. Knock on wood, going on 8 years with 2 kids and no flu yet!!! knock,knock,knock

  243. #243 Kimberly Smith on October 20, 2008:

    I definitely push hand washing, and keeping noses blown and covering mouths when coughing. For 3 & 5 yr. olds this is an important step. They also take vitamins,eat whole grain cereals and drink juice not pop. Lots of raw carrots and broccolli and cauliflower are weekly snacks! Common sense in playing outside depending on the weather and dressing them appropiately. Also teaching them to not share drinks,chapsticks,combs, food, etc., is important. Keeping their shots up to date ansd plenty of rest and playtime activity!

  244. #244 Elizabeth G on October 21, 2008:

    Nothing too unique here. We get flu shots and wash hands frequently.

  245. #245 Sharold on October 21, 2008:

    We wash our hands all the time and get plenty of rest

  246. #246 Casey Becher on October 21, 2008:

    We wash hands often and use sanitizer. Plus we stay home when someone is sick to keep from spreading our germs. I work in childcare and so many parents bring in kids that are obviously sick.

  247. #247 Cindy on October 21, 2008:

    Zinc and vitamin C.

  248. #248 HM Inkpen on October 21, 2008:

    Get lots of rest and take your vitamins.

  249. #249 Karen on October 22, 2008:

    Lots of handwashing, especially when the baby is involved. Thanks for the contest.

  250. #250 Cindy Wiebe on October 22, 2008:

    Lots and lots of handwashing and sanitizing with isagel or some kind of ethyl alcohol gel with no rinse. Also….put your pillows every 2nd in the dryer, it will kill off as many germs also.

  251. #251 Suzanne Lewis on October 22, 2008:

    Staying in the habit of washing hands frequently.

  252. #252 tanya on October 22, 2008:

    We wash hands after and before everything-dinner, lunch, snacks, petting an animal, etc..

  253. #253 Christina W. on October 22, 2008:

    Like everyone else – we are big handwashers, especially following a visit to the pediatricians office (I swear, it’s the best place to catch a cold!)

  254. #254 Beverly R on October 22, 2008:

    I do not shake hands with anyone during the cold and
    flu season.

  255. #255 Christie on October 23, 2008:

    Everyone has their own handtowel in a specific color. No spreading of germs from damp handtowels.

  256. #256 sarah on October 23, 2008:

    make sure we get plenty of vitamins and minerals on our daily diet, and wash our hands often!

  257. #257 Steve Scott on October 23, 2008:

    Vitamin C and lots of soap and water.

  258. #258 Michelle Watson on October 23, 2008:

    Wash your hands, when your co-workers are sick have them work from home so that they dont pass germs to you.

  259. #259 Janet on October 24, 2008:

    Vitamin C and lots of handcleanser

  260. #260 Vicky Boackle on October 24, 2008:

    wash your hands and get enough sleep.

  261. #261 Sharon Seneker on October 24, 2008:

    When the flu is going around we stay away from large groups of people like ball games, movies, Walmart etc. to prevent exposure! Thanks!

  262. #262 Elizabeth N. on October 24, 2008:

    We make a big deal out of washing our hands often! And we disinfect things like the computer keyboard and mouse.

  263. #263 Susan B on October 25, 2008:

    Always trying to reinforce the importance of hand washing. We all get flu shots, take our vitamins and drink more orange juice.

  264. #264 Julie Moe on October 25, 2008:

    Wash your hands frequently

  265. #265 Tia Carter on October 25, 2008:

    i hope i win

  266. #266 Kelly K on October 25, 2008:

    My oncologist insists I get a flu shot. We wash our hands, change our clothes and all once we come from school, eat vitamin C, wash clothes in lysol and Chicken soup!!!

  267. #267 Alice C on October 26, 2008:

    washing hands, ALOT :0)

  268. #268 Donna on October 26, 2008:

    Handwashing of course and trying to keep hands away from public areas, such as rails.

  269. #269 James Jenkins on October 26, 2008:

    take vitamin E

  270. #270 Tina Rath on October 26, 2008:

    We get flu shots,wash our hands often, use hand sanitizer often and use kleenex instead of cloth handkerchiefs.

  271. #271 Tammy Drew on October 26, 2008:

    Washing hands get the flu shot and take our vitamins extra vitamin c Thank you!

  272. #272 K. Cleaver on October 27, 2008:

    We get in the habit of washing our hands as soon as we get home. ALWAYS.

  273. #273 K. Cleaver on October 27, 2008:

    I’m a subscriber too.

  274. #274 gail wrightson on October 27, 2008:

    I keep my family healthy by carrying individual wet wipes in my purse. I get them in bulk at Costsco to save cash. Gailjane19@aol.com

  275. #275 gail wrightson on October 27, 2008:

    I keep my family healthy by carrying individual wet wipes in my purse. I get them in bulk at Costsco to save cash. Gailjane19@aol.com

  276. #276 E. Cooper on October 27, 2008:

    I make sure to stress cleanliness *AWAY* from home just as much as in the home. For example, wash hands in public restrooms, and use a tissue to open the door (plenty of people aren’t washing their hands and touching that handle!), don’t touch your face, eyes, mouth when your hands aren’t clean or you’ve touched something that a million other people have touched, and many more. Thanks for the sweepstakes :)

  277. #277 K. Peterson on October 27, 2008:

    I keep my kids away from other families where kids are sick already. Plus, if my children are showing signs of the flu, I keep them home and get them well before exposing other children.

  278. #278 Lmay on October 28, 2008:

    Echinachea comes in lozenge form and tastes great – just make sure your family is not allergic!

  279. #279 Kathy Scott on October 28, 2008:

    vitamins, orange juice, and exercise.

  280. #280 Laura Suchocki on October 28, 2008:

    I can’t have a flu shot so I drink more OJ and also get out if the weather permits, but I find getting enough sleep every night helps keep the defense system working.

  281. #281 Ella in PA on October 28, 2008:

    Keep tissues in most habitated rooms, especially the kids rooms. Stick some in the kids pockets and put a small pack in their backpacks. Get sufficient sleep, take extra vitamin C, wash hands frequently and pray.

  282. #282 kathy pease on October 28, 2008:

    lots of hand washing,eating right and lots of sleep ;)

  283. #283 Stephanie Carter on October 28, 2008:

    we change hand towels daily. we absolutely do not touch handrails in public.

  284. #284 C Duran on October 28, 2008:

    Wash hands, eat lots of fruits and veggies and drink lots of water.

  285. #285 Millicent Cagle on October 29, 2008:

    We wash our hands ALL THE TIME! Thanks for the chance to win :)

  286. #286 Joanna Smith on October 29, 2008:

    During cold and flu season I have the entire family (my 3 children, husband and I) drink 3 glasses of citrus flavored Airborne a day. Airborne is supposed to be used prior to taking airplane flights to help boost your immune system so you don’t catch colds, etc. while travelling on a plane. Well, I figured if it works for air travellers, then it must be just as effective on land! We have been practicing using Airborne for the past couple of years and that combined with constant hand washing and eating the right foods has kept this family cold and flu free!

  287. #287 Cathy Cook on October 29, 2008:

    I really hate the “cold and flu” season !! Last season while I was on chemo, I realized how easy germ spread. So I started setting a bottle of GermX on the table in the foyer, so whenever the kids…and adults came inside, we all cleaned our hands first thing. This REALLY helped to keep the germs at bay ! And, as soon as someone sneezed or coughed on their hands, they got washed right away. I also made sure everyone got plenty of sleep, veggies, and Vitamin C. I must say, this was the first winter season that my four children didn’t get and pass around several colds…so something worked and I’ll be making sure to continue this each and every year !
    Thank you so very much for a great contest !
    Cathy
    tholix at pineland do net

  288. #288 Matthew Meisenhelder on October 29, 2008:

    always ensure you ingest plenty of vitamin C.

    When we go out we always take oranges and juice and take a daily pill each morning to boost our immune systems

  289. #289 Eileen Forney on October 29, 2008:

    we drink juice, and I carry hand wipes in my purse.

  290. #290 michael woods on October 29, 2008:

    I’m going to probably be the only one to say this, but we don’t do anything extra to fight off colds…etc. We believe that expore (not overexposure of course) is healthy, and helps to build up our natural defenses.

  291. #291 Peggy on October 29, 2008:

    The usual, wash hands often, plus I spray Lysol on the lightswitches, and door knobs before I leave for work since I’m the last one out the door in the morning.

  292. #292 David on October 29, 2008:

    When school season starts, our family is back on track for taking a multi-vitamins.

  293. #293 Melinda L Smith on October 29, 2008:

    TAKE LOTS OF VITAMIN C AND ZINC.

  294. #294 Lisa on October 29, 2008:

    Lysol, wash hands, and use those wipes that they have for you at the grocery stores, to wipe down the bar on the buggy.

  295. #295 Pat N on October 30, 2008:

    Around here, we take lots of vitamin C & zinc. Also, at the first sign of a cold, we all start eating lots of garlic & the afflicted has a steam inhalation w/the anti-cold essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, etc). Thanks for the contest.

  296. #296 Pat N on October 30, 2008:

    I subscribed via My Yahoo. Thanks again.

  297. #297 Elaine Erickson on October 30, 2008:

    Vitamin C and spray disinfectant.

  298. #298 Tammy on October 30, 2008:

    Thankfully, no one in our household has had the flu in a very long time. We try to keep the flu bugs away by getting yearly flu shots, taking our daily vitamins, keeping our hands and noses clean and keeping hand sanitizers and sanitizer wipes on hand (glove compartment & purse) for those trips to the grocery store, indoor playgrounds and preschool. For the grocery stores, I always wipe the handle bar on the buggy with a wipe. The indoor playgrounds call for spray on my 4 year old hands before she eats and before we leave. AND of course, preschool, calls for spray on hands as soon as my 4 year old gets in the car.
    Nasty germs linger everywhere – so it’s better to be safe, than sorry later that no preventative measures were taken during the cold and flu season.

  299. #299 holly kendall on October 30, 2008:

    Hand washing all the time. And anyone who is starting to get sick stays in bed not on the couch or any other common areas.

  300. #300 Jennifer hedden on October 30, 2008:

    eat lots of grapefruit

  301. #301 Jennifer W. on October 30, 2008:

    Wash our hands!

  302. #302 Margret Stephens on October 30, 2008:

    Wash hands, drink lots of liquids, get plenty of rest

  303. #303 cynthia on October 30, 2008:

    Wash hands as soon as we get in the house and when were out I have a LARGE bottle of hand sanitzer in the car and we do our hands EVERY time we get in the car.

  304. #304 Pam on October 30, 2008:

    Wash,wash,wash your hands!!!

  305. #305 Marlene Bradley on October 30, 2008:

    Just like my Mother always said – “wash your hands”.

  306. #306 Wendy at Shopping Gems on October 30, 2008:

    We take lots of vitamins in our family. It really helps.

    Wendy at Shopping Gems

  307. #307 shelly on October 30, 2008:

    Wash your hands after you go shopping.

  308. #308 Jodi F on October 30, 2008:

    Garlic Pills and Orange Juice and lots of water.

  309. #309 Rachel Robertson on October 30, 2008:

    I always make sure everyone washes their hands as much as possible. After someone gets over the flu I always make sure to immediately replace their toothbrush. I also make sure we have plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, water and most of of all everyone, especially my children, get plenty of sleep.

  310. #310 christopher h on October 30, 2008:

    lots of orange juice

  311. #311 cathleen nash on October 30, 2008:

    The simplest, most common sense preventative measure is washing hands before eating, rubbing one’s eyes, picking one’s nose, and so on! Germs are airborne too, so we try to avoid contact w/ those already sick (on the train I change seats if someone’s hacking their lungs out in the same car!)

  312. #312 Suzie G on October 31, 2008:

    We take echinacia at the first sign of a cold and it really helps! I also make sure everybody washes their hands often.

  313. #313 Dawn Johnson on October 31, 2008:

    Stay away from everyone!!!

  314. #314 Sheila on October 31, 2008:

    My tip is to follow grandmom’s old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. I always make sure to give my little one’s lots of fresh fruit daily to give them a great chance at abundant health and a sturdy immune system. My other main tip, make sure they wash their hands long enough, I have my children sing their ABC’s while washing so I know they do a thorough job. Many times you can hear them in the bathroom singing away and they all learned their ABC’s at a very young age from the repitition of singing them daily while washing up.

  315. #315 Lisa Galloway on October 31, 2008:

    Flu shots, wash hands and sneeze of cough away from others or into tissue

    bliss319@hotmail.com

  316. #316 susan p on October 31, 2008:

    please enter me thank you

  317. #317 Laura G on October 31, 2008:

    we eat fresh garlic, lots of soup with chicken broth as it’s base and take vitamin C everyday

  318. #318 jjean on October 31, 2008:

    We eat nutritious food all year and are careful to get enough sleep. I think it helps us fight off a lot of germs and sickness. We also wash our hands and keep things clean, but these are things we do all year. It may be that we eat more citrus and get lots of vitamin C in the winter, as it grows so easily around here. Thank you!

  319. #319 Lathres B on October 31, 2008:

    Vitamin C and Cod Liver Oil taken together works great!!!!

  320. #320 Mary B on October 31, 2008:

    Annual flu shots and lots of Vitamin C,

  321. #321 David G on October 31, 2008:

    Wash your hands and stay away from sick people!

  322. #322 Steph on October 31, 2008:

    My tips and tricks are simple: wash your hands, try and eat right, lots of fluids and take supplements.

  323. #323 Pam Tufts on October 31, 2008:

    Drink lots of orange juice!

  324. #324 Dddiva on October 31, 2008:

    Lots of handwashing, and vitamin C.

  325. #325 Dddiva on October 31, 2008:

    I am a subscriber. :)

  326. #326 mary on October 31, 2008:

    Wash, wash, wash your hands!

  327. #327 Teri on October 31, 2008:

    Wash your hand often in soap and water! (as many have said before me!)
    Teach your kids not to share anything (ie cups and toys) that has been in someone’s mouth. And to help keep everyone healthy cover coughs and sneezes with your arm not your hands.

  328. #328 Ed Nemmers on October 31, 2008:

    Chicken Soup!

  329. #329 Michele on October 31, 2008:

    Wash hands, wash hands, lots of sleep, wash hands

  330. #330 Michele on October 31, 2008:

    I subscribed to your feed

  331. #331 tobster on October 31, 2008:

    Lots of sleep. Eat well, drink fluids. Keep your distance from people who are sick. Try not to stress too much. At the first sign of flu, take oscillicoccinum (sp?) At the first sign of a cold, take Zicam.

  332. #332 Nanette Olson on October 31, 2008:

    I wash my hands a lot and have a bottle of hand sanitizer in my car.

  333. #333 Suanne Giddings on October 31, 2008:

    Wash your hands often and with plenty of soap and water, get plenty of sleep, take extra Vitamin C, and/ get a flu shot. Thanks so much for a great giveaway!

  334. #334 Alissa on October 31, 2008:

    Rest and eating healthy are the best way to allow your body to rejuvinate!

    lilacflowers180 AT yahoo DOT com

  335. #335 Wendy on October 31, 2008:

    With a household of seven, before flu season is in full swing we all get our flu shots. Then all my childen practice good hand washing. I also spray the common area and door handles two times a week with lysol. We have been very lucky and have not been sick for over four years!

  336. #336 becky D on October 31, 2008:

    Washing hands frequently washing hands and all surfaces in the house.

  337. #337 Leigh Nichols on October 31, 2008:

    Hand washing, hand sanitizer, lots of fruits and veggies, and Vitamin C like there’s no tomorrow!!

  338. #338 flared0ne on October 31, 2008:

    Good food, enough sleep, keep hydrated. Get out a humidifier if needed. Sanitizers using alcohol, chlorine, or ultraviolet light at the slightest opportunity.

  339. #339 Lauren on October 31, 2008:

    Keep bundled when it’s cold outside, eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink lots of water and tea and wash hands especially after (grocery) shopping.

  340. #340 Jean D. on October 31, 2008:

    I’m much more conscious now of using disinfectant on items we all touch a lot. Stair railings, telephones, light switches–I used to overlook them when cleaning.

    Thanks for your contest!

  341. #341 Mollie G. on October 31, 2008:

    I carry a key-chain bottle of hand sanitizer at all times. Taking vitamins seems to help, and Vicks Vaporub doesn’t seem to hurt. Keeping hands away from faces can be difficult but is vital. Everyone in my family who has had a flu shot so far this season has had a two day reaction to it, like a mild case of the aches and pains — but small price to pay for otherwise missing it entirely (knock on wood).

  342. #342 Michelle H. on October 31, 2008:

    The first thing I do is to make sure the kids wash their hands incorporate before they eat anything. I also try to sanitize stair rails, telephone handsets, door knobs, etc.

  343. #343 Donna K on October 31, 2008:

    Take vitamin C.

  344. #344 Renee We on October 31, 2008:

    The flu battlefield is ready at my house with handwashing and I microwave our toothbrushes.

  345. #345 Heather C on October 31, 2008:

    I make sure we spray Lysol once a day, wash our hands often and try to stay away from crowds.

  346. #346 Charlene Kuser on October 31, 2008:

    Lysol,Vitamin C and eat lots of veggies

  347. #347 Gianna on October 31, 2008:

    Lots of hand washing.

  348. #348 Lisa Survillas on November 2, 2008:

    I give my family antioxidants and vitamins daily as well as teach the kids to wash their hands often. I send hand sanitizer to school for inside their desks, on their backpacks, and lunch boxes. We keep ourselves active to build our strength to fight minor bugs. Oh…our vitamins have probiotics that are the healthy flora in our gut (which is where a lot of the immune system is built up). We use lysol in our air/heating ducts at the intake and we have antibacerial pillows. I throw toothbrushes away often to keep from spreading germs there.


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