Anaheim, California, Tops America's 'AhH-Choo! Index'

Anaheim, California, Tops America's 'AhH-Choo! Index'

'Scrubs' Doctor Challenges Top 20 Cities to Protect Against Cold and Flu

LAKELAND, Fla., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- How many sneezes is too many for one city? Where does your city rank on the "Ahh-Choo! Index"? Anaheim, California, might be home to baseball's Angels(TM), but during cold and flu season the city is anything but heavenly. According to statistics compiled by Surveillance Data Inc. (SDI) for the 2003-04 cold and flu season, Anaheim had the highest incidences of colds and flu in the United States last year(1). There is only one way to avoid the top spot on this season's list: protection.

In fact, John C. McGinley, Dr. Perry Cox on the NBC-TV comedy "Scrubs," hit the streets of Anaheim today to dispense health tips and humor, challenging residents to stay off this year's list. McGinley offered residents quick and easy tips to protect against colds and flu, such as an immunity-boosting diet with antioxidant-rich orange juice, getting plenty of rest, and frequent hand washing.

Although Anaheim, California, tops the "Ahh-Choo! Index" based on reported cold and flu activity, the city is not alone ... after all, misery does love company. McGinley also unveiled the following cities that round out the Top 20. For a complete list, visit: ( http://www.floridajuice.com/ahh-choo )

AMERICA'S "AHH-CHOO! INDEX"
1. Anaheim, Calif. 11. Greenville, S.C.
2. Atlanta, Ga. 12. Albany, N.Y.
3. Los Angeles, Calif. 13. Seattle, Wash.
4. Manchester, N.H. 14. Des Moines, Iowa
5. St. Louis, Mo. 15. Baltimore, Md.
6. Riverside, Calif. 16. Chicago, Ill.
7. Dayton, Ohio 17. Philadelphia, Pa.
8. Washington, D.C. 18. San Francisco, Calif.
9. Las Vegas, Nev. 19. Huntington, W.Va.
10. Pittsburgh, Pa. 20. Louisville, Ky.




"Americans need to focus on protection against colds when the 'sick season' approaches," said Kenneth Bock, M.D. and author of "The Road to Immunity." "Simple daily activities such as exercising regularly, getting plenty of rest and eating a well-balanced diet, including antioxidant-rich orange juice, may help boost the immune system and protect people against the worst that cold and flu season brings."

LAYERS OF PROTECTION

Cities and citizens can lessen their suffering during cold and flu season as long as they remember to P.R.O.T.E.C.T. themselves. The following tips will help keep cities off of "America's 'Ahh-Choo! Index.'"

-- P - Plenty of Fluids: Consuming plenty of fluids can help loosen
mucus, keep you hydrated and make you feel better during cold and flu
season(2).
-- R - Reach for the Soap: According to the American Society for
Microbiology, most Americans do not wash their hands after coughing or
sneezing. Experts say washing hands is the best way to prevent the
spread of cold and flu germs(3).
-- O - Opt for Antioxidants: Drinking antioxidant-rich orange juice may
help boost the body's immune system's ability to fight infection.
-- T - Throw Away the Junk Food: Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
full of immunity-boosting foods such as pecans and walnuts and liquids
like 100 percent natural orange juice help fight colds and flu(4).
-- E - Enough Sleep: Getting the recommended eight hours of rest during
the longer fall and winter months helps the immune system stay
strong(5).
-- C - Cease Contact: Avoiding contact with those who are sick lessens
the chance of catching a cold(6).
-- T - Training and Exercise: Getting plenty of exercise helps strengthen
the immune system(7), providing extra protection during cold and flu
season.




The "Ahh-Choo! Index" is a list of American cities that reported the most cases of respiratory illness during the peak week of the 2003-'04 cold and flu season -- the week of December 26, 2003. Statistics were provided by Surveillance Data Inc. (SDI).

The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs approximately 90,000 people, provides a $9 billion annual economic impact to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services.

(1) Results determined by percent of the population affected with a
respiratory illness during the peak week of last year's cold and flu
season -- the week of December 26, 2003.
(2) http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html
(3) http://my.webmd.com/content/article/28/1728_61414.htm
(4) http://my.webmd.com/content/article/89/100138.htm
(5) http://www.shuteye.com/pressrelease4.asp
(6) http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html
(7) http://www.shuteye.com/pressrelease4.asp

For more information, contact:
Erika Larkin, GolinHarris
312/729-4256

Andrew Meadows, Florida Department of Citrus
863/499-2516



Source: Florida Department of Citrus

CONTACT: Erika Larkin of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4256; or Andrew Meadows
of the Florida Department of Citrus, +1-863-499-2516

Web site: http://www.floridajuice.com/ahh-choo


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