This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Rob, Lauralee H., Heather, Jessie C., and Carol G. Congrats!
No sooner did the school year start and both of my children have been sick! It’s cold and flu season and I am anxious to receive my free flu vaccine at the hospital where I work. According to the CDC, 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. Those at risk include children, pregnant women and the elderly. As a nurse, I’ve received a flu vaccine every year, including last year when I was pregnant with my daughter.
While it may seem early to get your flu shot, it’s actually the perfect time, as it will protect you through the season. And this year, you’ll only need one vaccine which will protect you from both seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months of age receive a flu vaccine.
I’m excited to share with you a new project I’m working on with The Motherhood. I am going to be gifting 5 families in my community with gift cards to receive flu vaccines. We live in a community filled with families and children and I’d love to surprise them with the gift of health this year. So, over the weekend, I’ll be knocking on their doors, spreading the gift of wellness. You may remember I participated in a random acts of kindness project earlier this summer with The Motherhood and it felt incredible to see children light up with joy at receiving unexpected cards and small gifts. Stay tuned later this week when I share with you how my wellness mission unfolded.
Apart from getting vaccinated, there are several things we do as a family to stay well during this season.
Scrub a Dub Dub: I become militant about handwashing and antibacterial hand gels during this time of year
Get a Boost: Despite the fact that I’m a nurse, I typically opt for natural, herbal, and alternative medicine. As soon as the sniffles and sneezes emerge, I pull out the Sinupret (my son and I both take it). We’ve also started giving our son Dr Sears’ Immune Fruit Chews and GoodBelly Kids Probiotic Drinks
Stress Less: You’ve probably heard that stress can suppress your immune system. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, yoga, or deep breathing, find a way to decompress.
Get Your Beauty Sleep: Consistent, sufficient sleep is vital to a properly functioning immune system. So, how much sleep do you really need? WebMD suggests 7-8 hours.
Get a Breath of Fresh Air: It’s not a coincidence that cold and flu season hits in the fall and winter. The changing of the seasons means that we all spend more time indoors where germs congregate. Try to get outside this season if the weather cooperates.
Get in Shape: According to WebMD, aerobic exercise helps to increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells.
How do you stay well during cold and flu season? Be sure to visit your local Walgreens to get your flu shot this year!
Win It! Five of you will win a Walgreens gift card to get a flu vaccine. Simply leave me a comment with your best tip for staying well this season. Comments will close on October 11, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Post your tip to the Walgreens Facebook Page
Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.
Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!
This is part of a compensated campaign with Walgreens and The Motherhood. Gift cards for giveaway were supplied by Walgreens.
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
- Like Water for Chocolate at Segerstrom Center for the Arts - March 24, 2023
sandy says
staying well is hard but cough into elbow/arm
Rebecca Graham says
You need to wash your hands frequenly to drown the germs.
Rebecca Graham says
Follow you on Twitter; rhoneygee
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/rhoneygee/status/25664326496
.
Kimberly says
Get plenty of rest and eat healthy.
Kimberly says
Email subscriber of yours.
Kimberly says
I follow you and tweeted
http://twitter.com/winsome6/status/25670409513
JW says
My tip is to still get plenty of fresh air even though it’s cold out.
JW says
email subscriber
Karen Luedy says
avoid touching your face with your hands
Karen Luedy says
email subscriber
Julie Cutshaw says
I feel that good handwashing is atleast 75% of staying healthier and not spreading germs during the flu season, and covering your face when you cough,sneeze is so important. Plus I keep lysol wipes everywhere & use them alot to wipe down as I go to keep germs lessoned, and as silly as it may look it does not hurt to wear a mouth and nose mask when your sick and still have to go out and about to keep your germs your own from others, thanks
sewitupjulie at gmail dot com
Julie Cutshaw says
email subscriber
sewitupjulie at gmail dot com
Lauralee Hensley says
Well, my best tip for staying well is deligiently washing door handles/knobs, toliet handles and sink handles. Yet, this year in an August Woman’s Day magazine I read that a few drops of Eucalyptus oil (hope I spelled that right) put in boiling water until it steams is good too. You inhale this steam for about five minutes a few times a day for a few days if you’re sick with anything upper respiratory in nature. Eucalyptus oil is suppose to be a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. It is suppose to be really great for people with chronic sinusitis and in 95% of cases I think is suppose to cure the condition if you use the treatments daily for a week or two. Isn’t that how long most people end up being put on antibiotics anyways for sinusitis? Think so.
lfhpueblo at msn dot com
Julie Cutshaw says
tweeted
http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/25686342103
sewitupjulie at gmail dot com
Lauralee Hensley says
I posted my tip to the Walgreen’s Facebook Fan Page and it says it will appear in their others filter.
lfhpueblo at msn dot com
Lauralee Hensley says
I’m an email subscriber of yours.
lfhpueblo at msn dot com
LOIS PAYTON says
Try to keep away from sick people.
Jessie C. says
Stay away from the crowd if at all possible; wash hands frequently and drink enough water.
Jessie C. says
Posted on Walgreens wall@tcarolinep JessieKatie S
Jessie C. says
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/25693183513
Jessie C. says
I’m a subscriber
Jessie C. says
blogged.http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-rockin-mama_27.html
Jessie C. says
Facebooked@tcarolinep JessieKatie S
Jessie C. says
Google buzz@tcarolinep JC
Jessie C. says
Plurk@tcarolinep
Jessie C. says
stumbled@tcarolinep
Jessie C. says
dugg@tcarolinep
Jessie C. says
Technorati Favorite@tcarolinep
Thank you for your Favorites Submission
Thank you for using Technorati Favorites! Technorati is collecting Favorites information as usual, however not currently displaying them in the site. Your submission was just saved. We are working on an upgraded Favorites system we think you’ll like much better than the previous system. When we roll it out in the near future, all your previous favorite submissions will again be available to you. Thank you for your patience!
Read more: http://technorati.com/favorites-thanks/#ixzz10k4kWqdX
rob says
getting a flu shot and frequent hand washing are the best tips for the season!
Marla Y says
Something that has really helped me stay well the last two years, is taking L-Lysine daily. I started out giving this to my daughters because they suffer with cold sores and if they take this daily it helps keep them from getting cold sores. I came across some other information that L-Lysine helps your immune system, so I started taking it morning and night and since I started two years ago, I have not been sick once. I get it at WalMart and it’s only like $2.99 a bottle. Very cheap way to stay well.
Thank you for the giveaway.
[email protected]
Marla Y says
I shared my tip on WalGreen’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Walgreens?v=wall&story_fbid=436624108610&ref=mf
[email protected]
Marla Y says
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted:
https://twitter.com/nanatide/status/25695563501
[email protected]
Michelle says
This might be excessive, but when my daughter gets home from preschool, she gets her bath and I change her clothes. This was recommended by her doctor and for the most part, we have been pretty lucky with not bringing home the flu. (although, I hope this does not jinx me!)
gigglesandlollipops at gmail dot com
Michelle says
I subscribe to your feed!
Amy says
My best tip is to wash your hands often and wipe down that shopping cart before you or your kids touch it!
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Amy says
I Posted my tip to the Walgreens Facebook Page
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Amy says
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted, http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/25696634316
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Amy says
I subscribe via email
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Amy says
I blogged, http://giveawaygirly.blogspot.com/2010/09/random-acts-of-wellness.html
laprochaine at gmail dot com
Rochelle says
My best tip for staying well is to make sure and take C everyday! I use one supplement that mixes in water. Very effective. Thanks!
romapup at gmail dot com
debp says
We wash our hands all the time. One interesting note, because people washed their hands so much last year, gastro illnesses took a sharp drop in being reported. Unfortunately, they are on the rise again, because people aren’t washing their hands as much.
We also take extra Vitamin D, it has been proven to help fight the flu.
[email protected]
debp says
I am a email subscriber.
[email protected]
Tracy Robertson says
I think my best tip would be to get that flu shot! I’m going to try to win it first, but if I don’t, I’ll go to Walgreen’s and buy one.
susan varney says
i would like to see this one [email protected]
sarah says
Wash your hands!
cherice says
I always have the wet one wipes to use if we are out and can’t wash our hands! Thanks for the chance.
cherice says
I subscribe 🙂
Laura C says
I drink oj everyday
Lori Z. says
Make sure to get your daily vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Lori Z. says
I subscribe via email.
Melissa Zimmerman says
Dress warm and watch out for the sneezers.
Laura C says
Post tip to the Walgreens Facebook Page
Laura C says
Subscribe to my feed via email
Laura C says
I posted on facebook.
Laura C says
tweet 9/27
http:// twitter.com/sweepcoupon
Melissa says
Always get a flu shot and wipe down door knobs, sink knobs, etc often with disinfectant wipes.
Melissa says
subscribe via reader
Kelly Ann T. says
I eat right, get plenty of rest, and I have always gotten my flu shot.
Sheila Hickmon says
My best tip is lots of hand sanitizer and lots of Lysol! I use lysol on everything!
Sheila Hickmon says
Email subscriber
fineinsanity {at} live {dot} com
joanne major says
you need to wash your hands alot and cough into your elbow
jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com
debp says
We wash our hands frequently, get extra vitamin D, and get our flu shots.
[email protected]
debp says
Could you delete my last comment please? I entered a second time by mistake. Sorry.
madwoman-doing-cartwheels says
Use hand sanitizer–carry a mini bottle with you.
madwoman-doing-cartwheels says
email subscriber
Cynthia C says
I think it helps to stay away from crowds as much as possible and wash your hands frequently.
Jacob says
Make sure to take your multi-vitamin and vitamin C regularly! It really does help!
Jacob says
I follow you on twitter under the name JCHARRIES and tweeted at http://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/25830899414
Jacob says
I am an e-mail subscriber
Vickie Couturier says
I try to stay well by wiping down carts at stores with a santizing wipe,ive noticed im not nearly as ill with colds as I was before doing this
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says
Posted my tip to the Walgreens Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/Walgreens?v=wall
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says
Follow you on Twitter AND tweeted
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
http://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/25880581623
Vickie Couturier says
Subscribe to your feed via email
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says
shared on stumble
vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
Jessica says
My best tip is take vitamins to keep your immune system strong
Jessica says
I subscribe to your blog via e-mail
Wehaf says
Stay hydrated and active.
Ilene M says
Always wash your hands
Ilene M says
I subscribed
David says
Eat healthy and stay away from people who are sick
Matthew says
Take your vitamins
Burt says
Get a flu shot
Jennifer T. says
I don’t have any big tips that you didn’t already share. I have people leave their shoes at the door. Shoes can be pretty laden with bacteria. I also wipe down doorknobs and phones.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer T. says
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Janna Johnson says
stay dry and warm!
Awesome contest! Thanks for entering me!
Janna Johnson
[email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.feedyourpigblog.com
nan lara says
my son got sick as soon as school started too…we will be doing more hand washing as soon as we come in from anywhere outside the house
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
nan lara says
e-mail subscriber
rebecca says
Washing hands, lots of water, adequate sleep, and health eating.
shelly says
I wash my hands often and well in order to wash away those germs.
Susan C says
I make sure to use a paper towel in public restrooms to turn on the water and open the door.
smchester at gmail dot com
Carol G says
It cannot be repeated too often–wash your hands frequently!
Nicole Greene says
I take vitamins daily and always wash my hands (when I’m not near water I use antibacterial liquid)
Nicole Greene says
I follow you on Twitter @pittsy82 and tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/26315793464
Nicole Greene says
I subscribe via email
Nicole Greene says
I shared this on my FB http://bit.ly/aGRC5C
Trisha Lynn says
Carry Germx with you everywhere!!!
Trisha Lynn says
I subscribe by email!
Trisha Lynn says
I faved this!
Trisha Lynn says
I follow on twitter and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/Haydensmommy05/status/26325693007
Carole Spring says
We wash hands frequently; use hand sanitizer; avoid touching our hands to eyes or nose; eat well; try to get plenty of rest; take vitamins; and cough into the inside of our elbow (instead of our hand) to prevent spreading germs.
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Clarissa says
take your vitamins..and eat lots of healthy fresh fruits and veggies
Clarissa says
posted on walgreens facebook
Clarissa says
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/26421612119 tweet
Clarissa says
email subscriber
Clarissa says
dugg
Debbie C says
I am scrupulous about handwashing and using alcohol gels, year round, not just flu season. I use antibacterial wipes on grocery cart handles too because they just reek with germs.
Steph says
I drink water every single day!
Steph says
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/26708326079
Jackie says
My best tip is lots of handwashing and getting plenty of sleep. Thanks!
jackievillano at gmail dot com
Jackie says
I subscribe via email
jackievillano at gmail dot com
Martina says
My tip for staying well is washing your hands frequently, with warm water and soap.
Kristy H says
My tip is getting lots of Vitamin C! We love oranges, OJ, and I carry around chewable C’s at all times! I do notice a difference when cold and flu season hits!
Kristy H says
Email subscriber
Kristy H says
Follow and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jellibeenz1978/status/26820623045
Kristy H says
Follow on Google reader
Tammy Darling says
Lots of handwashing!
sarah t says
my tip is to wash hands often
lisa p says
I take extra vitamin C during the winter months to try to ward off the bugs
Carole Spring says
I follow @rockinmama on Twitter and I tweeted.
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/cspring31971/status/26859402906
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bryanna P. says
Cool blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Would love, love, LOVE to win this!
=]
Jaque says
We do several things to stay healthy during the flu season. We take vitamins, wash our hands diligently, eat right, get plenty of rest, and I put a cap of bleach in my dish water to kill germs. 🙂 Thank you.
Ellie W says
Practice good hygiene and eating healthy are two of the most important things for staying healthy. I also carry anti-bacterial wipes in my purse.
Ellie W says
I follow on Twitter @eswright18 and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/26967845171
shirley says
We wash, wash and wash our hands.
shirley says
Email subscriber
[email protected]
Gena says
My best tip is to get enough rest. People tend to stay up too late and get up too early, expecially if they are working people. We all really need to sleep more so our bodies function right and can fight off illness
Gena says
I follow you on twitter (@GMERRELL) and tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/26981445935
Gena says
I am an e-mail subscriber
Linda says
My best tip is to eat healthy and get plenty of rest.
CherylS22 says
My tip for staying well is to get your flu shot & use Lysol for all your cleaning. Thanks for the giveaway!
Carole Spring says
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/cspring31971/status/26999399560
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
CherylS22 says
RSS feed subscriber (Google Reader)
Kerry says
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands and get a flu shot!!
taylorbagels says
Try to stay away from sick/infected individuals and if around them (when possible) wear a mask. In fact wear a mask into any and all stores that would help tremendously I would think
Erica C. says
Wash your hands, eat well, maintain a good exercise regime, and if you feel bad…rest!
Leigh Singleton says
We stay healthy by eating a vegetarian diet at our house. We could still use a flu shot, however!
Thanks for the contest.
Melanie says
I keep the hosue clean and free of germs.
Happi Shopr says
Eat healthy, get plenty of rest, exercise and vitamin c
Heather says
Wash your hands frequently!
Harriett D. says
Take vitamins and get my rest!
Kathy S says
My best tip for staying well is to drink plenty of water, wash my hands often and carry hand sanitizer in my purse at all times, try to avoid crowds (like going grocery shopping in the “off hours”.) I also try to eat healthier..lots of fruits and veggies, etc.
S Carter says
Consistant handwashing and vitamin C supplements help me stay healthy thru winter
Chrysa says
Wash hands – – – – OFTEN! (and keep them away from your face)
Chrysa says
I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.
hbomb says
my best tip is to rest! everyone stays up late and never sleeps enough! xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
hbomb says
RSS subscriber
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
hbomb says
follow and tweet – http://twitter.com/xbeautifulcoma/status/27110918176
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
hbomb says
stumble – hbombbb
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
Sand says
Wash your hands often!
Tim says
Lots of sleep for sure.
Tim says
Email subscriber.
Tammy Greer says
Lots of Vitamin C, plenty of rest, exercise, and meditation helps me to stay healthy.
[email protected]