Hello everyone to another busy week! Many of our local sports teams are completing their winter seasons, school students are on their mid-winter break, and there are so many community events happening. But no matter how busy it gets, Pathfinder Produce will be here to help you provide nutritious and satisfying fruits and veggies to your family. Come down and shop this Thursday afternoon, February 21, at the Village Commons, from noon to 5 pm.
Of course, there’s our convenient online ordering system. Just cruise over to our website and select your delivery site, Morris or Edmeston. Place and pay for your order using our secure server, and then just stop by for your pre-shopped items. It’s oh so easy!
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After weeks of staving it off, this year’s winter cold has hit me. It’s time for getting some extra rest and taking extra self-care measures. In the spirit of recovery, here are a few cold-strategies that may help others:
Elderberry Syrup: Over the summer, a Facebook friend indicated she was putting up several quarts of elderberry syrup to use during cold and flu season. After the advice of another friend, I was able to locate a bottle of this dark, sweet elixir at the local pharmacy.
I’m not sure if the syrup is helping, or if it’s a less virulent virus. Or it could be a placebo effect … but for this cold I haven’t been as tired or as symptomatic as with prior head colds. Elderberries are extremely rich in antioxidants, and several recent studies suggest that the berries may reduce the length and severity of colds and flu. Apparently, there’s rich lore about elderberries too as a folk medicine.
However, it is pricey, so this summer I hope to learn to accurately identify elderberries in the wild (and if none are on our property, then I plan to buy some bushes). It seems they syrup is easy to make and should keep if properly canned. (There are other berries that mimic elderberries in the wild, so please use caution in ingesting any wild fruits).
Lotion Tissues: These are an absolute God-send when you have a cold with an overactive nose. The tissues aren’t rough and scratchy and provide a soothing application of lotion to your sore, red nose. While I generally don’t buy these because of the extra cost, it always pays to have an extra box in reserve.
Chewable Vitamin Cs: Vitamin C is a mild antihistamine so it can reduce the amount of discomfort you experience if you’re having a mild allergic reaction or cold symptoms. It’s also an antioxidant, which can help strengthen your body’s immune system. Vitamin Cs come in a non-chewable tablet, which is okay for teens and adults, and chewables, which may appeal more to younger patients. Be sure to follow dosage directions, and be aware that some tablets are sweetened with sorbitol; too much of either Vitamin C or sorbitol may result in hurried trips to the restroom.
Frequent Hand-Washing: Last year’s very bad flu season led to the “gone viral video” of the Florida nurse who was ranting about “Wash your stinking hands.” It remains one of the best strategies for everyone to stay healthy. Viruses can live for a time on surfaces, and if your hand conveys the virus from the surface to your nose, you may potentially come down with an illness.
Recently, a news commentator on a major channel indicated he rarely washed his hands, saying he doesn’t believe that germs exist because “he can’t see them.” Pure drivel. If one washes one’s hands at key times – before prepping or eating food, after using the facilities, and after touching one’s face, nose or unclean items – it helps you from making others sick.
Drinking enough, eating well: If you’re sick with a cold you need to stay hydrated to help move your recovery ahead. Likewise, though it’s very tempting to eat ice cream and other treats that may be soothing, it’s better to eat a lighter, healthy diet with fruits and veggies to provide the nutrients you need to help your immune system bounce back.
Until next time, stay well!
Lori
