Folow these FREE everyday steps to avoid getting the swine flu:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Don’t fall for any swine flu scam!

Don’t be afraid to bargain at the gym:
Always remember that you aren’t the only one hurting out there. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, the slow economy is a factor in the first nationwide drop in gym memberships in more than a decade. Here are some tips to getting a price break on your monthly gym memberships:

- More and more gyms are offering awesome deals because they want to keep their customers and take advantage of our desire to cut living costs (insert shameless plug here). Rather than have you walk away from your membership completely, they’ll likely offer you a break to keep you around. So, before you cancel, sit down with someone on the gym’s staff to see what could be arranged.

- This is also a good time to sign up for a gym membership if as long (as you’re really going to use it). Many gyms are waiving their enrollment fees and offering basic memberships for as little as $20 to $30 a month.

- Don’t forget to ask for free guest passes. You can get anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks of access.

- Of course, don’t forget to compare gym memberships before you sign up for anything! Comparison shopping is the way to go!

Check out some of the current gym membership special offers :

24 Hour Fitness
Bally Total Fitness