This morning the SBA staff found several newspaper articles that offer various ways to boost your immune system since H1N1 is spreading across the world. It’s easy to forget about the little steps that we can take to protect our immune system. According to the Boston Globe’s “How it’s Spread, How to Protect Yourself” article, constantly wash your hands, exercise, eating healthy, drinking water and getting plenty of sleep are the best ways to stay as healthy as possible. The article also discusses what symptoms to look for and how to cope if you are diagnosed with the flu.

For more information from the Boston Globe on how H1N1 is spread and how to protect yourself, please click this link.

For the latest updates read the CDC website.

How often do you think about the life of the pillows on your bed? Have you had any of your pillows for 10, 20 or even 30 years? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are very connected to their pillows and can’t sleep without them because of their softness, flatness, texture or other personal preferences.

According to Dr. Drake, our sleep expert and Prevention magazine consumers should change the pillows on their beds every 1-2 years because pillows lose their shape and comfort, and the fabric and stuffing absorbs our body oils, shedding skin and strands of hair. After sleeping nightly on the same pillows for years, they can become breeding grounds for odor-causing bacteria and allergy-triggering dust mites. Pillow covers that are regularly washed can extend the lifespan of a pillow though.

One deciding factor when it comes to keeping or tossing your bed pillows is the fold in half test. Try folding all of your pillows in half, the long way, and if they snap back, they’re supposedly okay. If they stay in a folded position, it’s time for a trip to your newest department or home store.

With so many different pillow shapes and sizes to choose from, shopping for pillows can be overwhelming. Review this pillow guide to get some ideas before you go and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance at the store.

Overall, the best way to decide if you need replacement pillows is based on your health and sleep quality. If you suffer from allergies, often wake up with a sore neck or back or simply aren’t sleeping well, consider changing your pillows to see if this simple alteration is your key to feeling better.