The current hot topic in health these days is the "Swine Flu", or H1N1.  Unless you've been under a rock, you've heard the advice "get a flu shot and wash your hands" over and over again.  I must say I am completely stunned by the lack of mention of the simple, effective things that we can do to ward off the flu.  There is plenty of credible, scientific evidence that all of the items mentioned below prevent the contraction and spread of, and adverse outcomes from, cold and flu.

• Avoid alcoves and parking garages.  Huh?  Check out Science Daily's article on the research done at Oregon State University www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209205148.htm  This is a follow up to the excellent Mt. Sinai School of Medicine study found at www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071019090004.htm  Basicly, the best place to find flu virus that will infect you is at 40 degrees F, with low humidity (winter).  Examples of these types of areas are parking garages and the alcoves that surround buildings.  Unfortunately, you may have also seen the article in the Missoulian on the long, cold wait in the parking garage for flu shots www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_bbc45d6e-c031-11de-b1a5-001cc4c03286.html 
• Now is a great time to start a moderate exercise program.  This boosts the immune system by increasing circulation, essentially moving the troops of the immune system to where they need to be, and enhancing the removal of lysed (or cut up) germs in the system.
• Eat a healthy and complete diet, avoiding sugars and processed (canned or pre-made) foods.  Yes, it costs a little more, but if it saves you a few days of work a year, and the time suffering from being sick, it's worth it.  Did your kids eat a healthy, whole food breakfast?  There is a good article from CNN on exercise, rest, diet and the flu at www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/12/immune.system.H1N1/index.html
• If you are a smoker, for Gods' sakes quit.

I would like to hear the "head geek" from the CDC mention these things just once.  The American public would be much safer and healthier if they did.  It seems that we have become so caught up in epidemiology and outside influences on our health that we have lost track of some of the most basic, powerful weapons that we have.  I have tried to think of several examples that expose the irony of this type of thinking:

Would you climb on a motorcycle with just a leather jacket, and no helmet, and consider yourself safe?  The flu shot may make us safer, but it is only half of the equation.

If you had some sheep, and you kept them in a small pen, and fed them low quality food, would you be surprised when they got sick, and some of them died?  Animals need fresh air, exercise, and healthy food.  So do we.

My Aunt Mittie chain smokes, one after another.  At a family party the other night she went on and on about how worried she was they were not going to have any flu vaccine available for her.  She is concerned about covering one base, but turning a blind eye to the other.

All of the aformentioned will help you avoid getting the flu.  If you do contract it, they will all help you put up a better fight because you are healthier going in, and get you back on your feet again more quickly.  Do what you can to shore up your defenses, the only side effect is better health!