Okay, it's time to drag those home remedies out of the closet. What's your favourite flu remedy/treatment? What to you do for yourself when you're stressed and overwhelmed? Answer one or both, it doesn't matter. I'm desperate.

-- Anonymous, March 29, 2000

Answers

re: stress from short people.

When the kids all get on my nerves, i usually go outside, down the field and scream my head off. (funny side note: i just fixed a typo. I had somehow put in "screw" instead of scream...)

that might not work in the city.

As for the flu, eat a lot of bananas (if he can hold 'em down) toast, rice and apple juice. lots of fruit juice. Then we let it ride.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

For stress: Sex. And lots of it. Rough, wild, animal-like sex! Now that certainly won't work when your stress comes at the same time that your man is sick! *laughs* So as a back-up you can try cardio kick-boxing or TaeBo. It works for me! *smiles*

For the sick Travis: Try toast, or spaghetti noodles or Ramen noodles. That's what I usually eat. And lots of juice. Tell him to get well soon!

Nicole

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

Hmmm...for the flu, I wouldn't suggest having Travis eat anything. It's just bound to come up again and tasting it the second time is always worse! Be careful of dehydration though...lot's of plain old water..and if he's a mite hungry, try saltines. Those always seem really sensitive to an already angry and upset tummy!

Stress sucks. I always draw a very hot bath, throw in a ton of herbs, grab some tea and a book (aren't you STILL reading that one?? :o), play some relaxing music, hop in and soak time my fingers and toes resemble raisins. Yoga always works too. Even just some simple stretching.

I hope everything is soon back to "normal" for you!

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

For the flu: bed rest, lots and lots of clear fluids (LOTS, like 4-6 liters a day), vitamin C and potassium. I haven't had the flu yet this season, but that's what I do when I get it.

Stress: I work out. Lifting heavy objects does wonders for my cortisol levels and calms andrenalin rushes right down. I also, when the stress gets too bad, take time off from people entirely. Cancel all of my engagements, avoid my roommate, and simply hang out with myself. Then again, i would make a wonderful hermit, and while I love everyone in my life, people stress me out by their very existence. So that may or may not work for you.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

For the stress? Screaming really loudly can help. But not much. Finding someone to sit quietly and listen while you vent is good. For the flu? Broccoli (steamed) is good. And PLENTY OF FLUIDS. Vitamin C, a good vitamin B complex, and folic acid are recommended to combat stress and anxiety, both mental AND physical (as in when you're sick). Oddly enough, these are the same things depleted by smoking. (which we all think calms our nerves - too strange) Also, a calcium/magnesium supplement is good. (Calcium is said to alleviate tension and irritability, and promote relaxation. Magnesium is called the anti-stress mineral, necessary for proper nerve function.) Info was found in Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

Flu: Gravol, if you can keep it down. I don't get out of bed, either, unless necessary. How's that go: Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast (B.R.A.T. will help you remember that) -- bland stuff that won't upset your tummy. Tea. No dairy products.

Stress: screaming is good. Exercising helps get adrenaline going. The angrier, more stressed out you are, the harder you work. You have to get away from the problem, too, sometimes. Feel free to say "no" when you really want to - it helps.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

For stress, fid yourself a really good psychologist and pay her $80 an hour. That's my recomendation. he mony you're spendng willbecome the new focus and "POOF" you forget everything else you're freaking out over. Ha! Ok. Sorry. I'm here looking for the answer too. Screaming sounds like the best one. Excuse me. I have a field to locate.

Oh...feel better. Both of you. Hugs! (Come to think about it...those work well too.)

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

I'm really not stupid. No. Really! :) My ISP lags and when I type, some of the leters don't make it if I'm not careful...and watchng every second. Yikes! Ignore the above entry. :)

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2000

OK, this might not sound like it works, but believe me, I've been under lots of stress and still live with the same amount of things to do and have lowered stress levels considerably. Just do things when you think of them. Slow down and don't think of everything at once. It really works - just focus on the next thing that pops into your head, and somehow the thinking slows down and everything gets done. I used to feel overwhelmed and this simple thing changed my life. Sorry, this DOES sound very much like an infomercial. There's no way I'm putting avideo or book together, so relax!! :)

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2000