Brrr it's still Winter.....

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It's been a tough winter this year, there are not only one but two different viral strains floating around causing everyone to come down with some awful cold and flu like symptoms. It's not a bad thing for your immune system to be hit with a good dose of cold every few years, it actually strengthens it and makes you less susceptible the next season. However, supporting your immune system and taking action in preventing yourself from catching a cold is also wise.

Here're some tips:
1. Clothing; you may laugh and say 'but I always leave the house clothed' that you may but I suggest you invest in a good, long singlet that tucks in! It may be old fashioned but you need to be tucked in and your kidneys need to be covered. So simple and effective in keeping you warm and preventing a chill getting into you bones.
2. Covering your mouth when you cough! Another tip that may sound as simple as second nature, yet everyday I am out and about I see people coughing without covering their mouth, walking along coughing as someone is walking towards them, coughing on the train/tram. So simple so sensible and prevents airborne contaminates.
3. Washing your hands regularly, especially if you have come into contact with someone that has cold and flu symptoms.
4.Take a sick day - that's what it's there for, don't go to work if you are suffering from cold and flu symptoms, prevent contaminating others. Rest and convalesce at home, in the warmth of your own home. Stay inside in an even temperature.
5. Dose up on natural anti-bacterial foods including garlic and onions.
6. Eat lots of colourful fruits and vegetables, organic is best as they have higher concentrations of nutrients. These nutrient dense foods will stimulate your immune system and help support it.
7. Herbs to keep in the cupboard and dose up on over these winter months include; Echinacea, Olive leaf and always have some YEP tea(Yarrow, Elder, Peppermint) to help combat cold and flu symptoms including fever!!
8. Increase your intake of Vitamin C - it is the king anti-oxidant and is known to support the immune system and reduce the duration of cold and flu like symptoms. See your Naturopath to be informed of therapeutic doses
9. Other supplements that may help you ward off this dreaded beast is Zinc and Vitamin D, both will help support your immune system and keep you soldiering on.
10. Finally REST, it is winter and winter is about hibernation, enjoy this quiet time and re-charge your batteries.

Why some girls do and some girls don't

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Lately it is all I keep getting asked about - morning sickness. Everyone I know that is pregnant seems to be sick too! I am very lucky and in both of my pregnancies I have never suffered from morning sickness - I have other problems. No one it seem escapes scott free!


It is a bit of a mystery in the medical world why some women suffer so badly and others seem to go unscathed. Hormones seems to be the answer or more specifically the bodies response to changes in hormone levels, namely oestrogen and HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) which increase in early pregnancy. Also the increased sensitivity to smells and odours that many women experience that can trigger a gag reflex in some people and those with a pre disposal to stomach upset may also suffer.


Here are some ideas to treat morning sickness:

• Ginger tea - macerate ginger in warm water, let it seep for at least 10min before drinking.
• Peppermint tea - forget the tea bags from the supermarket, there isn't enough 'real' or quality herb to make a medicinal difference, buy some good quality organic tea, again infuse for at least 10 min before drinking.
• Avoid dehydration and if it is too difficult to drink large cups, drink small frequent sips.
• Soups are a great way to intake fluid - try a yummy chicken broth or home-made veggie soup.
• Carbonated drinks may be used to help create belching if that helps to settle the nausea.
• Ipecac is a homeopathic that may help settle morning sickness, see your Naturopath, Homeopath or purchase from a Health food store
• Snacking is usually the most effective way to relieve nausea, small meals every few hours may help keep your sugar levels stable. 
• If morning sickness is worse in the morning, then keep some dried biscuits beside the bed.
•  Rest is necessary.  The body is undergoing huge changes in pregnancy – especially in the first trimester the tiredness alone is exhausting, the body has to supply blood and nutrients to its growing foetus taking a huge toll on the mothers system. 

In case of extreme nausea and vomiting you may need to be prescribed pharmaceutical medication or even possible hospital admission to have fluid rehydration via an IV drip. 

Hopefully your morning sickness eases within the 12-16 weeks and you get to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.