How To Get Rid Of A Cold And A Blocked Nose: 12 Remedies

Christmas colds are par for the course this season.

While everyone else is gearing up for the office party, you're all bunged up feeling sorry for yourself.

Sadly, there is no magical cure for the common cold, but there are plenty of things out there to help relieve symptoms such as sinus pains and blocked noses.

Cures for colds and blocked noses! [REX]

We've compiled a list of some of the best and most unusual pieces of advice, so you're not a snotty mess missing out on all the fun.

1. Break Out The Swiss Ball

If you're feverish, then don't attempt this, but as my fitness instructor always used to say "If you're only sick from the neck up, get back on that treadmill!"

The common cold shouldn't stop you from continuing with moderate exercise. In fact, gently working up a sweat can do wonders for seeing off a cold faster, thanks to the endorphin-producing, immune-boosting consequences of a workout.

2. Humifidiers

Blocked noses are really annoying. There are lots of places touting really expensive humidifiers, but actually this really simple steam in haler, for as little as £4.99, works in just the same way!

Simple steam inhaler [Medisure]

3. Coconut Water

Yeah yeah, we know, every man and his dog is trying to sell you on the benefits of coconut water. But besides it being the trendiest thing to drink since Fiji water, there is some evidence to prove it hydrates you at a faster rate than tap water.

And as any good Doctor will tell you, recovering from a cold is all about hydration, hydration, hydration!

(In the absence of coconut water, normal water will also work just fine).

4. Blow The RIGHT Way

Blowing your nose (rather than sniffing) can actually be good for you.

However, there IS a right way to go about it.

Trumpeting really hard isn't just annoying for everyone around you, it also risks damaging blood vessels and pushing the phlegm into the passages between your nose, throat and ears, leaving you open to earache.

The best way to blow is to press on one nostril and gently blow out of the other, in one swift motion. Then repeat on the other side.

5. Get In The Shower

Quite apart from making you feel generally refreshed, a steamy shower can work in the same way as a humidifier - clearing your sinuses.

A hot shower can make you feel better for a number of reasons [REX]

6. Allergy Tablets

Although you should always consult a doctor before using medicine other than for its intended use, tablets for allergies such as hayfever can be useful to those suffering from colds.

They often contain antihistamines, which in some forms can help decrease the swelling in your nasal passages and prevent you from feeling so stuffed up!

7. Raw Onion and Raw Garlic

Yep, it's gross, but eating raw onion and garlic can help. You won't make any friends doing this, but you might get over your cold faster in order to hang out with your old ones.

Cooking onion is thought to strip it of its antimicrobial properties.

Just knock it back! [REX]

8. Dark Chocolate

This isn't just to make you feel better after scarfing raw onion and garlic, but it might help wtih that too!

The theobromine in dark chocolate can help stop persistent coughs and soothe sore throats.

9. Vaporub Babies' Feet

If it's not you but your little one that is feeling ill, popular doctrine says massaging vaporub into their feet and then covering with socks is best practice.

This means the vaporub is far enough away from hands and mouths where it would risk ingestion, but it is able to be absorbed and effective.

Rub on their feet to get them to sleep [REX]

10. Hot Toddies For Everyone!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, didn't you know.

Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself while missing out on the season's party drinks is no fun.

Hot whiskey and lemon might be an oldie, with limited medical efficacy, but it makes everyone feel better, so who cares right?

11. Saline Solution

Is there anything a bit of salt water can't cure?

Whether it's gargling it three times a day, to spraying it up your nose, saline solution (salt water) can help.

Try dissolving a heaped tablespoon of salt into half a cup of water.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cold-and-a-blocked-nose--12-remedies-145022952.html

9 Winter Health Myths Busted

Winter does have its downsides. It’s cold, dark and the days just seem to disappear – where did the summer go? That being said, this super-cold season isn’t as bad as people believe.

If we catch a cold or put on a few pounds, we’re quick to blame winter. But in many instances, the season is wrongly accused. From oldwives tales to common misconceptions, we’re separating winter fact from fiction. 

   

Myth 1: You can’t exercise in winter

This would be a great excuse to kick off the running shoes and sit in front of the TV, but the truth is, exercising in winter is perfectly fine.  Research published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise claims that it’s actually better for you than running in warmer climates. The cold forces us to pick up the pace, encouraging a faster, harder workout. It burns calories and increases endorphin levels, resulting in a healthier, happier you.

Myth 2: The cold air makes you sick

A classic line from mum – ‘wrap up warm or you’ll catch a cold.’ And whilst the drop in temperature can exacerbate feelings of sickness, there’s no definitive proof that it causes a cold directly.  Only by coming into contact with the germs themselves can you become sick. Flu expert Doctor Thomas Tallman of Cleveland Clinic says we’re “more likely to catch a cold indoors, where it's warm and crowded than outdoors in the chilly air. 

Myth 3: Less sunlight causes depression

The combination of bad weather and shorter days can make us feel down in the dumps. However, there’s nothing to suggest that the lack of sunshine during winter causes widespread depression. Some do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during this time – a condition that triggers depression-like symptoms such as lethargy, tiredness and withdrawal from family and friends. But this only tends to affect a small percentage, 3-6% of people in the UK. Family and financial stresses are more likely to cause winter blues than a shortage of sunlight.

Myth 4: You can drink less in winter

Whilst you might not feel the need to drink as much water during winter, it’s important to always stay hydrated, whatever the season. During the summer months, the hot and humid climates make us sweat, and naturally we reach for an ice-cold drink. But as you’ll agree, this is less tempting when the temperatures hit freezing outside. Hydration effects everything from energy to concentration, so be sure to top-up the hot teas and water during winter.

Myth 5: Sun cream in winter? Don’t be silly

Despite the lack of sunshine, you still need to apply some level of protection to your skin during the colder months, especially if you’re jetting off for some winter sun. Even skiing and snowboarding trips come with risks. The UV rays reflect off the snow, and this can cause skin damage.

The sudden exposure to sunlight after being wrapped up indoors can have a huge impact on your skin, so it’s better to be on the safe side.  By using an SPF all year round, you reduce the risk of skin cancer and keep your skin looking smooth and healthy.

Myth 6: Winter = weight gain

As much as we’d like to blame the change in season for weight gain, research proves that we’ve no reason to eat more during winter. Medical Director of the Bariatric Institute in Ottawa, Dr. Yoni Freedhoff says “We do know that in hibernating animals there will be seasonal changes in hunger hormones, but there is nothing to suggest that that’s true in people.” The sudden desire for comfort food and cosy nights in comes from our wish to avoid the winter – the cold, the stress, the dark nights – not because we have a biological need to increase our calorie intake.

Myth 7: Winter makes the allergies disappear

If your winter cold won’t budge, it could be allergies. There’s a common misconception that summer is allergy season. However, winter brings its’ own irritants. Being stuck indoors; in warm, temperate climates can flair up itchy eyes, tickly throats and constant sneezes. The best way to distinguish between the two is the length of your symptoms – common colds only tend to last a few days, a week at the maximum. If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, it’s likely to be allergies.

Myth 8: Winter makes your hair fall out

The stress of winter might cause your hair to fall out, but the season itself isn’t the culprit. Research even suggests that summer could potentially be the worst season for hair loss.  A 6-year study conducted by the University Hospital of Zurich found that the ladies tested lost the least amount of hair during winter. The cold can make hair dry and brittle, and reconditioning treatments can help with this.

Myth 9: Alcohol makes you warm

Winter is a great time for socialising, but remember: alcohol doesn’t increase your body’s temperature. The warm feeling you experience when enjoying a glass of wine or beer is the blood dilating and rushing to your cheeks, making them nice and rosy.  This is only temperamental and can be dangerous, as your body isn’t actually as warm as you think it is. You may misjudge the icy-cold temperatures because of the instant feeling alcohol provides – so be careful.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/9-winter-health-myths-busted-090000505.html

How To Get Rid Of A Cold And A Blocked Nose: 12 Remedies

Christmas colds are par for the course this season.

While everyone else is gearing up for the office party, you're all bunged up feeling sorry for yourself.

Sadly, there is no magical cure for the common cold, but there are plenty of things out there to help relieve symptoms such as sinus pains and blocked noses.

Cures for colds and blocked noses! [REX]

We've compiled a list of some of the best and most unusual pieces of advice, so you're not a snotty mess missing out on all the fun.

1. Break Out The Swiss Ball

If you're feverish, then don't attempt this, but as my fitness instructor always used to say "If you're only sick from the neck up, get back on that treadmill!"

The common cold shouldn't stop you from continuing with moderate exercise. In fact, gently working up a sweat can do wonders for seeing off a cold faster, thanks to the endorphin-producing, immune-boosting consequences of a workout.

2. Humifidiers

Blocked noses are really annoying. There are lots of places touting really expensive humidifiers, but actually this really simple steam in haler, for as little as £4.99, works in just the same way!

Simple steam inhaler [Medisure]

3. Coconut Water

Yeah yeah, we know, every man and his dog is trying to sell you on the benefits of coconut water. But besides it being the trendiest thing to drink since Fiji water, there is some evidence to prove it hydrates you at a faster rate than tap water.

And as any good Doctor will tell you, recovering from a cold is all about hydration, hydration, hydration!

(In the absence of coconut water, normal water will also work just fine).

4. Blow The RIGHT Way

Blowing your nose (rather than sniffing) can actually be good for you.

However, there IS a right way to go about it.

Trumpeting really hard isn't just annoying for everyone around you, it also risks damaging blood vessels and pushing the phlegm into the passages between your nose, throat and ears, leaving you open to earache.

The best way to blow is to press on one nostril and gently blow out of the other, in one swift motion. Then repeat on the other side.

5. Get In The Shower

Quite apart from making you feel generally refreshed, a steamy shower can work in the same way as a humidifier - clearing your sinuses.

A hot shower can make you feel better for a number of reasons [REX]

6. Allergy Tablets

Although you should always consult a doctor before using medicine other than for its intended use, tablets for allergies such as hayfever can be useful to those suffering from colds.

They often contain antihistamines, which in some forms can help decrease the swelling in your nasal passages and prevent you from feeling so stuffed up!

7. Raw Onion and Raw Garlic

Yep, it's gross, but eating raw onion and garlic can help. You won't make any friends doing this, but you might get over your cold faster in order to hang out with your old ones.

Cooking onion is thought to strip it of its antimicrobial properties.

Just knock it back! [REX]

8. Dark Chocolate

This isn't just to make you feel better after scarfing raw onion and garlic, but it might help wtih that too!

The theobromine in dark chocolate can help stop persistent coughs and soothe sore throats.

9. Vaporub Babies' Feet

If it's not you but your little one that is feeling ill, popular doctrine says massaging vaporub into their feet and then covering with socks is best practice.

This means the vaporub is far enough away from hands and mouths where it would risk ingestion, but it is able to be absorbed and effective.

Rub on their feet to get them to sleep [REX]

10. Hot Toddies For Everyone!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, didn't you know.

Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself while missing out on the season's party drinks is no fun.

Hot whiskey and lemon might be an oldie, with limited medical efficacy, but it makes everyone feel better, so who cares right?

11. Saline Solution

Is there anything a bit of salt water can't cure?

Whether it's gargling it three times a day, to spraying it up your nose, saline solution (salt water) can help.

Try dissolving a heaped tablespoon of salt into half a cup of water.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cold-and-a-blocked-nose--12-remedies-145022952.html