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If there’s anything we’ve learned in recent months, it is that we should be energy smart whenever possible.  Conserving energy in our homes and driving is very worthwhile.  Even though oil prices have come down to half of their peak in mid-2008, we know that they could go up again in a hurry. 

I drive a large Yukon XL, which is basically a Suburban.  Mileage is not so good, but I’ve cut back to making three trips to the office weekly whenever possible.  That has helped my fuel budget.  I would get a smaller car, but this baby is pretty useful for carrying loads and large groups of people on a trip.

Several years ago we put in extra insulation in our home, and we use a whole house fan to reduce the amount of air conditioning we use.  When we hear so much energy talk on the news, it does have the effect of getting us to at least think about ways to cut back on energy usage.

Talk about a waste of energy—the fuel spent on airplanes, helicopters and trucks in fighting wildfires in California is insane.  Also, think about all the gasoline used by folks vacating their threatened homes.  I found some discussion about wildfire prevention and other fire safety issues at the Minutemanfire site.  It is amazing that homes could be destroyed even with tile roofs and a swath where the vegetation had been removed. 

There’s a lot of wasted energy in the work involved in rebuilding homes demolished by wildfires.  So there is a relationship between energy conservation and fire prevention, that we often don’t think much about.

Trying to avoid catching cold and flu this season?

Probably so, if you’re anything like the rest of us. But are there any truly effective cold and flu prevention methods that could keep you well this winter?

Yes, there are – from simple hand washing to taking the right supplement. Here are the general principles most everyone is familiar with:

• Wash your hands often – We all pick up germs and viruses on pencils, doorknobs, computer keyboards, etc. Wash hands often and scrub for at least 30 seconds to wash them away.
• Eat well by eating a balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, natural fiber and sufficient protein.
• Avoid sweets and processed foods. Eating too many sweets creates imbalances in your body, which make you more succeptible to bugs.
• Stay warm – wear appropriate clothing and shoes to keep warm. Be sure to keep your head and ears covered outdoors.
• Stay fit – exercise to keep your heart and body healthy, in good shape and to burn calories.
• Get enough sleep – your body needs to rest and rejuvenate. Insufficient sleep strains the brain and weakens your immunity.

The above steps are all important and necessary, but they may not be enough. Are there additional steps you can take to increase your chances of avoiding cold and flu? There certainly are. Here are a few:

• When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand purifier. But you don’t want one loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrances that can absorb through your skin. Use a natural product instead. Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier promotes good hygiene without the use of water or toxic ingredients. It’s a great way to get the natural, germ-fighting cleansing power of the antimicrobial essential oil in a handy, carry-with-you-anywhere bottle.
• Bolster your immunity with a nutritional supplement like Inner Defense – the total health system protection that reinforces systemic defenses in the immune system, creates unfriendly terrain for yeast/fungus and promotes healthy respiratory function. Its potent blend of oregano, thyme, and Thieves essential oils are rich in thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol for powerful immune support.
• Diffuse antimicrobial essential oil – Diffusing the right essential oil can not only decrease your exposure to cold and flu bugs in the air, but it can strengthen your immunity to them.

What essential oil is best? Studies conducted at Weber State University show that the Thieves essential oil blend has a 99.96 percent success rate against airborne bacteria. You’ll find more information about Thieves on the diffusing page mentioned above.

There is no need to feel helpless this season – or to spend the season sneezing and coughing. Pay attention to the general principles listed above and try the additional steps for natural and effective cold and flu prevention.