There’s an old saying that if you want to get sick, go to the doctor’s office. No doubt, it’s usually a concentrated mass of coughing people within a confined square footage (not to mention whatever is lingering on those magazines). So how is it that so many doctors and nurses are able to stave off illness year in and year out? My curiosity led me to Sunnybrook’s Occupational Health & Safety Department, where frontline staff have literally seen and treated it all. What better place to arm myself with immune boosting information?
I met with Christine Ader, a lovely nurse who (true to expectation) rarely gets sick. In hand she had her top tips to stay healthy until the Sorels get officially packed away into the basement. It is the season of lists, after all. Things to do, things to buy, and now, things to help you avoid flus, falls and frenetic schedules. I sat down with my camera and started recording.
Staying well appears to be a gentle balance of lifestyle and common sense. There are the obvious methods, like frequent hand washing, regular exercise and adequate sleep. But just as critical are brightly colored scarves, shoe shopping and kitty litter. Yes, this seemingly random mix will help you tackle the season with healthy fervor (and will make much more sense after you watch my video.) And if the gift of safe sex lands under your tree, she recommends opening it without hesitation. I think that tip falls somewhere between exercise, stress relief and making the season bright…
Here’s hoping Ader’s advice helps you avoid the doctor’s office this year. Better to be reading your own magazines at home curled up by the fire. Happy holidays!
