I always wanted to write a blog about how to prevent colds and reduce the spreading of germs. Thus, I’m so happy to share this blog with you today. My mother always encourages her family to drink ginger tea and do a million other things to prevent colds and flu viruses. Now that I’m older, I can relate to what my mother was saying and I appreciate her words of wisdom along with my dad’s. I would like to share with you all some healthy habits that the Holy Spirit gave me in order to prevent catching colds. I pray that these healthy tips bless you, and that you would share them with your family and friends. Remember that by the stripes of Jesus Christ we are HEALED!

1. Wash your hands when you come inside from outdoors. We can wash them as often as possible. (This is a good habit even if we are not about to eat food).
2. Open door handles using your wrist instead of your hand. Also use your knuckles instead of your finger tips to press elevator buttons, etc.
3. Use your scarf to cover both your nose and neck when outside in the cold weather. This is also a good practice when you are standing in environments that are congested with lots of people (trains, elevators, etc.).
4.  If you like to drive and eat at the same time, be reminded that your steering wheel has possible germs on it from touching gas station pumps, doors, etc. Therefore always keep your hand sanitizer nearby. 
5. Practice social distancing especially with the new COVID-19 pandemic that we have heard about on the news.
6. Remember to disinfect your remote controls, telephones, keyboards, refrigerator doors, toys, and all other hand devices that are shared by others and self.
7. If someone coughs or sneezes beside you, bless them and be sure to cover your own nose and mouth as well or you can turn the opposite direction. No worries, you are not being rude or disrespectful. (Remember that God wants us to do all things in love).
8. Don’t underestimate the power of the hat, scarf, and gloves… and of course – PRAYER. 
9. Remember that rest is also our spiritual weapon. Getting adequate rest will boost your immune system and work productivity. 
10. Have a glass of room temperature water to wake up those organs in the morning. Water is the most important nutrient. Water is our friend, not an enemy. 
11. Annual doctor visits are important. Through our blood work, doctors can determine if we have any deficiency in our Iron, Vitamin D, and other nutrients. I use to be deficient in both of these, but glory be to God that I’m healed and now my immune system is operating much better. We must not neglect the foods and vitamins that our body needs.
12. Most importantly, remember to speak the Word of God over your health. We should esteem the Word of God more than our daily food (see Job 23:12).  

More Scriptures Regarding our Health: Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm 91:16, Deuteronomy 33:25, 1 Peter 2:24, 3 John 1:2

Remain blessed everyone,

Aliese Hemphill