Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold Season

By M’lou Walker, CEO, Matrixx Initiatives –

This time of year, colds can be as unpredictable as the weather. Whether taking public transportation, shaking hands at business meetings or taking care of under-the-weather family members, it seems impossible to avoid a run-in with the notorious cold virus.

As a CEO and a mother, it’s important for me to stay on top of my health. I’m a firm believer in taking matters into your own hands, being aware of your surroundings and conscious of potential risk factors.

Here are a few tips to take control of your health this cold season: 

• Start each day off right. For me, this means a smoothie packed with kale, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, avocado and mixed berries. It helps me feel energized and gives me the brainpower I need to remain attentive all day.
• Be prepared. If I do start to feel a cold coming on, I take Zicam Cold Remedy ULTRA Berry Lemonade Crystals at the very first sign to shorten it. Since they are portable and individually dosed, I always carry several in my purse, just in case. I also keep herbal tea and honey in the office, which I drink at the first sign of a sore or scratchy throat.
• Snack smart. I keep mixed nuts at my desk to snack on if I’m feeling hungry in between meals. Keeping my blood sugar steady helps reduces the chance of reaching for a low nutrient snack and displacing my healthy food with junk. Overall, I find that when I eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, I feel more energized and ready to take on my day.
• Get enough sleep. This is a major factor that many of us overlook. If my body is tired and run down, it becomes increasingly difficult to fend off a cold. It can be difficult, especially when I’m traveling a lot or when career and family demands are intense, but a healthy sleep schedule can do wonders. I find it helpful to turn off all electronics by 10 p.m.
• Keep Moving. Whether taking a vigorous walk over the weekend (with or without golf clubs) or fitting in a quick workout during lunch, I make sure exercise is part of my daily routine. As a result of regular physical activity, I am more positive, energetic and productive.
• Be aware. It’s important to understand how your environment impacts your potential risk of catching the common cold. I use the Zicam ColdSense app, which evaluates personal data from my smartphone and my surroundings to assess my potential exposure. Sometimes you can’t change the final outcome, but it’s helpful to know what the underlying causes of my cold are.

M’lou Walker — Chief Executive Officer

M’lou has over 25 years experience in the marketing and management of healthcare products. Prior to joining Matrixx in February 2012, she led the marketing and advertising of Mucinex® and Delsym® as the Senior Vice President, Marketing for Adams Respiratory. Prior to Adams, M’lou managed a broad spectrum of OTC and HBA businesses at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and its predecessor Warner Lambert Consumer Healthcare including Listerine®, Lubriderm®, Benadryl® and e.p.t.®.