Many of my patients wonder if their neck pain is due to a poor pillow. Your pillow helps to support healthy sleep posture. What does that posture look like? A body in alignment - not twisted -  from the knees and hips, through the spine to the upper back, shoulders, neck and head.

The neck should be in a relatively neutral position. In other words if you are on your back, your head can be slightly elevated or flat, but the neck should not be too flexed. If you sleep on your side, the pillow should take up the space from the mattress to your ear so that the spine is aligned from upper back to neck. Sleeping on your stomach is the worst sleeping position because it forces you to rotate your head for long periods of time.

When should you buy a new pillow? About every 18 months. Memory foam pillows typically last longer, up to three years. If you’re using a pillow that’s five or six years old, you’re not getting the support you need—and you’re not sleeping as comfortably as you could. 

The firmness of the pillow is totally an individual choice. But keep in mind that a soft pillow, like down, might provide support for a few hours then flatten overnight, leaving your head and neck in an awkward position. An orthopedic pillow, which has a space for your head is great...but only if you find it comfortable, which many people don't.  If you purchase an expensive pillow make sure there is a trial period so you can return it for full refund if it doesn't work for you.  

If you  are a light sleeper and toss and turn, you may want to have several pillows which you can switch out during the night, for example a thicker pillow for when you are on your side and a flatter pillow for when you are on your back.

A word about the "My Pillow" infomercials - I bought two (insert sad emoji).  They are stuffed with one inch size pieces of irregular shredded foam.  Very lumpy.  Not good. Look elsewhere.

As soon as you start feeling run down or have other flu-like symptoms, such as headache, body aches, chills and fever, take these herbs and vitamin products that support immune function and fight virus and feel like yourself again.

Oscillococcinum  works naturally with your body to reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms. Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product. Homeopathy is a system of medicine established in the 19th century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its basic principles are that "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, in homeopathy, influenza would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that normally causes influenza when taken in high doses.

Sambucol, a black elderberry extract, appears to short-circuit flu symptoms, a new study shows. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can be used by adults and children from 4 years old. Sambucol was developed by a world renowned scientist who recognized the potential of the antioxidants present in the Black Elderberry. The unique preparation method for the standardized Black Elderberry Extract used in Sambucol preserves and maximizes the naturally occurring health benefits of the berry. Sambucol has been laboratory tested and the benefits published in international clinical trials. Sambucol has been used by millions of people worldwide.

Emergen-C Immune Plus® System Support with Vitamin D 

• 1000 mg Vitamin C
• 1000 IU Vitamin D
• B Vitamins
• Zinc
• Antioxidants and Electrolytes
• Larch arabinoglycan
• Beta glucans

Vitamin D -Recent research suggests vitamin D plays an important role in regulating immune system function
Antioxidants - Vitamin C, zinc, and manganese are essential nutrients for maintaining a healthy antioxidant response.

Larch arabinogalactan Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is found in many plants, but it is found in highest concentrations in Larch trees.  It is used for infections, including the common cold, flu, H1N1(swine) flu, ear infections in children, and HIV/AIDS.

Beta glucans are sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants, such as oats and barley. They are sometimes used as medicine. Beta glucans are used for high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.