Dr Cindy Pan Preventing the Common Cold and Guardian Angel Knitting Program Interview

Dr Cindy Pan Preventing the Common Cold and Guardian Angel Knitting Program Interview

Guardian Angels across Australia will be busy knitting to give the gift of warmth this winter to support children in need.

Guardian Angel Knitting Program in association with Save the Children Australia
1st June – 31st of August 2013
Give the gift of warmth this winter to support a child in need
Collect a Guardian Angel Knitting Book, get knitting and take your special donation to your local Guardian Pharmacy by August 31st, 2013

Since the program started, Australia's Guardian Angels have generously crafted and donated knitted garments for over two million children. To continue the knitting goodness, Guardian Pharmacy is encouraging more Australians young and old to get the knitting ball rolling and warm the hearts of disadvantaged children throughout the winter season.

This year, the Guardian Angel Knitting Program turns 15 and Guardian Pharmacy is proud to announce the program will partner with Save the Children Australia, the nation's leading independent and emergency relief and development organisation for children.

Get knitting for the greater good:
Whether you're a knitting enthusiast, novice or stitching pro, knitting has never been easier with Spotlight providing patterns for all skill levels and discounts on wool through the Guardian Angel Knitting Book. To get started Guardian Angel's can visit their local Guardian Pharmacy to pick up a free pattern book, with step-by-step instructions for a number of different garments to knit. Guardian Pharmacy Ambassador Dr. Cindy Pan says she is 'proud to endorse a program that has been committed to helping disadvantaged children for the last 15 years."

For more information on the Guardian Angel Knitting Program or to find your nearest Guardian Pharmacy, please call 1300 888 666 or visit the Guardian Pharmacy website www.guardianpharmacies.com.au

Interview with Dr Cindy Pan

Question: Approaching winter how can we prepare our bodies to fight common colds?

Dr Cindy Pan: I think all the usual preventive health measures apply: a balanced, varied, nutritious (and delicious) diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein, low fat dairy products, eggs, nuts and legumes and plenty of physical activity. Ideally regular, varied, moderate and pleasurable exercise rather than infrequent heroic, punishing, torture sessions! Staying well hydrated with plenty of water, vegetable soups and other healthy non-alcoholic beverages is beneficial too.


Question: What foods should we implement and increase in our diet to improve our immune system?

Dr Cindy Pan: As above: plenty of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, lean protein, low fat dairy products, eggs, nuts and legumes. Balance, variety and moderation are key.


Question: Is there a supplement that is suitable for preventing the common colds?

Dr Cindy Pan: Supplements are generally only appropriate if your diet is lacking. Focusing on achieving a balanced, varied, nutritious diet is far better than relying on supplements which do not contain all the micronutrients (or flavour, texture and aroma) that are found naturally in food. Your local Guardian pharmacist can provide advice on your general health and recommend the best supplements for your needs. If you are concerned that your diet might be lacking consult your doctor and local Guardian pharmacist for advice.


Question: What else can we do to prevent colds?

Dr Cindy Pan: Avoiding close contact with infectious or infected people - especially those who are coughing or sneezing profusely - is a good idea.
Healthy hygiene habits such as regular, careful hand washing and not touching one's eyes, nose and mouth will also help.
Keeping warm and avoiding excessive exposure to the elements is sensible.
Having sufficient rest and relaxation is important as is learning to manage stress and deal with conflict.

The flu vaccine will not prevent colds but will protect you against the most virulent strains of the influenza virus this season, so this is well worth discussing with your doctor without too much delay. The sooner you get your shot, the sooner you will be protected.


Question: Does exercising aid in improving our immune systems?

Dr Cindy Pan: Moderate regular exercise definitely assists in achieving and maintaining optimal health, well-being and fitness. However over-training or pushing yourself with a punishing regimen even when you're sick, injured or otherwise under the weather or when you've had inadequate sleep, nourishment, hydration or preparation, is obviously not healthy and will predispose even the fittest individual to injury and have an immune-suppressive effect.


Question: If we do feel a cold approaching, what's the first thing we should do?
Dr Cindy Pan: Drink plenty of fluids, rest up a bit, take it easy and avoid coughing and spluttering on others! Gargles and lozenges have a role for soothing sore throats and nasal saline sprays can assist with blocked or running noses. Paracetamol can help ease discomfort and is safe so long as maximum daily doses are carefully observed. If your cold seems significantly worse than usual or you are not getting any better, see your doctor for assessment and further advice.


Question: Can you tell us about the Guardian Angel Knitting Program?

Dr Cindy Pan: The program encourages knitters of all levels to create and donate the gift of woollen warmth to support children in need.

This year, the Guardian Angel Knitting Program celebrates 15 years and Guardian Pharmacy is partnering with Save the Children Australia, the nation's leading independent and emergency relief and development organisation for children.

You can collect pattern books from your local Guardian Pharmacy and drop off your knitted garment by Saturday 31st of August.

For more information on the Guardian Angel Knitting Program or to find your nearest Guardian Pharmacy call 1300 888 666 or visit www.guardianpharmacies.com.au


Question: Why did you decide to get involved with the Guardian Angel Knitting Program?

Dr Cindy Pan: I think it is an absolutely wonderful, heart-warming idea and it is great to know so many Australians have gotten behind this worthy cause. Millions of garments having been donated and distributed over the past fifteen years to help keep kids in need warm over winter. Collaborating with Save the Children is a fantastic way to ensure those infants and kids most in need of winter woollies - both here and overseas - will receive the gift of warmth along with the knowledge that kind and caring hands have knitted all the garments, infusing a little TLC into every stitch.


Interview by Brooke Hunter