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Healthy People Are Annoying

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August 13, 2009
	Jo Wehage : Head Operations Ego

I should know; I’m typically one of them. Justly, every now and again something comes along to remind us not to get too comfortable. I had such a recent reality check and it brought along some truths I think I need to find self-evident. Perhaps the example of my lack of preparation can help you ward off some sneaky illness lurking outside your door.

So there I was, sitting on my high horse named Complacently Healthy and along came a two-headed virus that wiped me out for 10 days. At first I felt the twinge of a virus taking hold, and my immune system’s resulting reaction of a fever. “Take that” virus, I’ll be better by tomorrow, I thought. Think again.

Here’s some of what I learned over my 10-day education.

Truth 1 - Healthy People are Annoying
When you’re not healthy those in perfect health can be downright annoying. I totally see that. For those close to me, you know my journey to “health nut” is fraught with landmines, but for those of you who only see me write or speak, you might think I have my act together. Nope. A work in progress.  Yet, when I was taken down a notch in my health status, boy did all those people who do all the right things and live a vibrant life because of it really annoy me. Part of this is because when I feel like crap, if I crave food, it’s crap food. Craving crap food when I’m sick makes me feel stupid. Healthy people don’t feel stupid. Healthy people annoy me.

I shared my cravings with a friend who plays “health nut” much better than me and she admitted the same cravings. I felt less stupid.

I think we have a lot to learn from each other. I think healthy choices can change your life. I will continue my “healthy person” journey and try and learn from those around me. However I am considering enacting some kind of “health confessions” day. A day when we can freely admit to the Snicker’s that called our name, the chocolate sundae we ate for dinner and the admission that we made bad choices when others were available. A day to remember that we’re more similar than different; and I’m not just talking health choices. Doesn’t the admission of imperfection make us all much less annoying?

Truth 2 – Busy, Over-Committed People Aren’t Prepared
Who among us doesn’t fit the busy, over-committed title? Sometimes we’re on our game and sometimes we’re not. We’re proactive at times, but fall behind the ball at others. When this two-headed virus made its appearance in my bathroom, I had fallen behind. I didn’t have all the helpful items you should have on hand when such an occasion arises. And worse – I thought I was so healthy that I could just leave it all up to my immune system. Well, that’s fine if you just want to test the bounds of your immune system’s capabilities and can afford the 10 days to 2 weeks for it to do its job. (I was losing my mind on day 3).

Thankfully a kind, capable and charming doctor (Dr. Huber) reminded me of what I should have done early, and what I could do during the course of my virus since it had taken hold. I want to share some of those general recommendations with you in case you find yourself fighting some kind of bug, virus or general ick. Note: this is by no means an exhaustive list that will work in all cases. Just some general FYI’s:

1. Have Oscillococcinum on hand. A homeopathic remedy that has become so well known that you can now find it at your local drug store. Take it as soon as you feel run down or have the first signs of flu.
2.  Lots of fluids and lots of vitamin C. I started my vitamin C late and was taking too little. If you really need immune support up to 4 or 5 grams of vitamin C may be called for. For me, that was 8 to 10 capsules.
3. Zinc is helpful for some. Try 50 mg with food.
4. Echinacea and Goldenseal, which can come combined. When you’re down take 500 mg of Echinacea and up to 300 mg of Goldenseal three times a day.
5. Lots of green tea. I’m surrounded by an organic, whole-leaf, green tea powder and even this I didn’t do for a few days!  

Hopefully you won’t find yourself being stubborn, stupid or annoying, but just in case I caught you on a bad day, I encourage you to heed my warnings.

If you have any other suggestions for boosting your immunity before or after an illness, please let us know what worked for you.

Be well!