How to prevent a summer cold
Experts say five years of our lives are spent with a common cold. Ick! True or not, we wouldn't mind indulging in a few of the remedies in Jennifer Ackerman's book, Ah-Choo!.
CRACKING OPEN A BOTTLE
That's right: Wine and beer may be just the ticket to avoiding a sick day. (Sip Warm Cherry-and-Peach Sangria while you mull that over!) Studies don't indicate why-though alcohol might somehow limit virus replication-but they agree you should cut yourself off after one glass per night.
STOPPING BY THE NEIGHBOR'S PARTY
It seems reasonable to think that the fewer people (and germs) you're around, the better. But research shows that people with larger social circles are less likely to fall victim to colds.
LETTING OFF STEAM
Those who work up a sweat for 30 to 60 minutes a day catch, on average, only one cold a year. But don't try to make the rest of us look bad: Working out for more than 90 minutes a day could have the reverse effect, breaking down your immunity guard.
EATING CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
It may be good for the soul, but for different reasons than you'd expect. A component in poultry known as cysteine helps clear breathing passages. The soup part is a bonus: Pairing the chicken with hot vegetable broth staves off symptoms, too. Try Rachael Ray's Cure-a-Cold Spring Chicken Soup and see.
By Allyson Dickman
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