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Colds & Flu...3 Things You Should Know
Thanks to everyone who participated in this years Free Flu Shot Clinics and Health Fairs! Here's a few more tips to avoid the cold or flu this year.
Chicken soup and other hot liquids, rest,  and over-the-counter pain relievers are still the best remedies for the symptoms of colds and flu.
It's tempting to pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for these illnesses, but antibiotics do not kill the viruses that cause most colds, flu, sore throats, and bronchitis. They only kill bacteria. Taking unneeded antibiotics may even lead to the development of "super bugs" which resist treatment when you really do need antibiotics.
Did you know?
1. Antibiotics will not make you feel better or keep other people from catching the cold or flu.
2. It's common for mucus from a cold or flu to change from clear to yellow or green, and it does not mean you have a bacterial infection or need antibiotics.
3. Prescription antiviral medications can reduce the severity of the flu, but they must be taken within two days of getting sick.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
SNORT, SNIFFLE, SNEEZE.
NO ANTIBIOTICS, PLEASE.
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Move More
Pill-Free Way to Help Knees Feel Fine
You may be able to use your own body to help ease arthritis symptoms in your knees and other creaky joints. Read the whole article in Real Age.com
How? Through regular practice of tai chi. This gentle martial art integrates fluid movements with deep breathing -- and research shows it may help reduce arthritis pain and disability by about 10 points on a 100-point scale.
Tried-and-True Tai Chi When it comes to improving balance and coordination, tai chi is hard to beat. And the slow, dancelike moves also stretch and strengthen the muscles tasked with supporting your joints, making you stronger and more flexible. And if it's more energy you're after, research shows that tai chi can help with that, too.
Local Classes - Everett Parks and Rec has several beginning and advanced Tai Chi Classes. Class Schedule.
- Snohomish County YMCA's (Everett and Mill Creek Branches) www.ymca-snoco.org
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Eat Smart
 Ghoulishly Healthy Halloween Snacks
No trick: These treats will help scare candy cravings away.
It's Halloween week, and that candy you've bought to be prepared for the kids is slowly devouring your best intentions. What can do you to fight off those ghastly urges? Give yourself permission to eat something healthy that's still in the spirit of the day.
Here are four yummy "treats" that will help "trick" your taste buds and satisfy even the most diehard lover of Halloween. Learn More at WebMD.
Wellness Team Champions Evergreen Middle School
hosted a Healthy Halloween Party last year where they served healthy snacks and treats!
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Stress Less
 Stress Release Exercise - Tense all the muscles in both your legs and then release them.
- Clench both your hands into tight fists and tighten all the muscles in your arms. Then release them.
- Breathe deeply into your chest, filling your lungs completely with air. Hold your breath there for a moment and then breathe out slowly releasing as much air as is comfortably possible.
- Push your tongue very firmly against the roof of your mouth for a few moments and slowly allow it to rest.
- As your tongue relaxes, close your eyes and enjoy the sense of release.
Want more stress reducing tips? Listen to a 5 minute guided relaxation or a short webinar on managing stress. Go to the Wellness page and click on Stress Less.
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The Wellness Challenge
 Keep logging in your healthy behaviors through December 31st to earn your incentive dollars!
It's not to late to re-commit! Talk to a health coach and get on track.
Click here to go to The Wellness Challenge home page.
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The American Heart Association has awarded our Wellness Program with Gold Status for being a FIT FRIENDLY COMPANY.