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Hammertyme: Could illnesses from this winter have been prevented?

by Editor Bill Hammerstrom
As I write this, I am getting over my latest bout of flu/cold/whatever crud 2008 has thrown at me so far.

This year has been particularly harsh on my immune system.

Since January, I haven't been able to go two weeks without developing a fever or sinus congestion or some other malady.

Judging by the coughing and sneezing echoing down the hall at Record Publishing Co., others around me have shared the same problems.

I can't speak for everybody else, but it's very unusual for me to be sick this often.

I'm typically a fairly healthy fellow.

I asked my wife many times this year, "What is wrong with me?"

She has some pretty good answers. She drags germs home from the elementary school where she teaches kindergarten.

Plus, my two sons under 3 years old probably carry their share of germs into the house.

I recently stumbled upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations for "How to hold your own against colds and flu."

It's a little too late for me, but I can check to see how I did and maybe find out what is wrong with me or anybody else who can't seem to shake the cold or flu this year.

* Get the flu vaccine.

I did not get the flu vaccine because I don't usually get the flu.

I can't use that excuse anymore.

* Wash your hands.

I wash my hands often.

I can't say everybody does.

I get so disheartened at church when those around me cough and sneeze into their hands before we all turn to greet our neighbors.

Is it rude to wave instead of shake hands?

* Limit exposure to infected people.

The coughs echoing down the hall at Record Publishing Co. and the sick people at church suggest I could have limited my exposure a little bit more.

* Practice healthy habits (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise).

I try to eat a balanced diet.

French fries usually balance out my combo meals. Getting enough sleep can be a challenge with two toddlers.

And, other than my typing fingers, I don't get enough exercise.

* Drink up and rest.

An editor and father of two never rests.

He does tend to drink too many caffeinated beverages, though, which the FDA does not recommend.

If this was a test, I have failed.

What is wrong with me?

I need to practice a healthier lifestyle with more exercise, a better diet, and more sleep and rest.

If you had a particularly sick winter and spring, maybe you do, too.

E-mail: bhammerstrom@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3944