Open Meadows: Keeping germs at bay

‘Tis the season for many fun gatherings of well meant hugs and gift giving. Sharing germs is never our intention so staying healthy keeps everyone happy and healthy through the cold winter months. Choosing what works for you is the best way to do that.

The pharmacies, health food stores and internet are flooded with preventative and recovery remedies and medicines. I was surprised to hear someone say during COVID that they always wear copper to stay healthy and fight off germs. Stores often have copper bracelets and other jewelry that claims to do just that. But who among us actually takes those claims seriously? I didn’t think much about it until I started wearing my copper bracelet that was given to me years ago. I recently discovered that when I wear it regularly when out in public, at schools, etc. I do not seem to get sick. For two days I did not wear my bracelet when I was covering stories at schools and other public functions with several people gathered in doors. I became very sick with a high fever for several days. I don’t recall ever being that sick with such a long lasting fever. I lay in bed thinking about my bracelet and cursing myself for not wearing it. Instinctively, it seemed, I knew that that was why I got so sick.

I have made and used elderberry elixir because I know it helps to keep us healthy. And stores are full of expensive products of varying kinds from syrups, to gummies made from sambucas, commonly known as elderberries. I recently made an elixir out of rosehips and blueberries for the same purpose. Its thick syrupy texture made with raw honey and blackberry brandy goes down easily. Rosehips are high in vitamin c and honey is a natural healer for many ailments, including sore scratchy throats. Ginger, cloves and cinnamon add flavor and healing properties as well. While these elixirs are go-to’s for the winter, I have read some interesting facts about prevention with copper.

The function of copper in our bodies gives us energy. It aids connective tissues and blood vessels and makes red blood cells. Copper maintains the nervous and immune systems to keep nerve cells and our immune systems healthy as well as the cardiovascular system. Copper also keeps our hair healthy. It activates genes and is needed for brain development. Getting a regular daily dose of copper does not need to be extreme. Fourteen to 18 year olds only need eight milligrams a day and adults ten milligrams daily. Taking too much copper may be dangerous. Foods that contain copper are shellfish and organ meats, such as kidneys and liver. Beef liver is extremely high in copper. Safer foods are whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, dark leafy greens, dried fruits, prunes, cocoa, black pepper, and yeast. Too much copper can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice, yellow skin and eyes. There are several liquid copper supplements available online. Be cautious if you are looking to buy them. Other copper products include face masks lined with copper, nasal sprays and wands, and tongue scrapers. There is a plethora of other copper products for arthritis pain and organic gardening. But using copper materials for germ prevention is what you should look for.

The American Society for Microbiology states, “The antimicrobial effect of copper has been known for centuries and ongoing research is being conducted on the use of copper coated hard surfaces for the reduction of microbial contamination and subsequently the reduction of healthcare associated infections.”

I think I will continue to wear my copper jewelry. It can’t hurt and ideally will prevent me from picking up those unwanted bugs from people I enjoy being around, especially during this magical time of the year. Blessings to all for a happy, healthy holiday season.

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