SOME will have noted an extended absence of this column over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately we have been distracted by a pretty vicious flu virus which affected the kids.
Sick children are one of the joys of parenthood but this flu and its recurring fevers were as hard to watch as Grand Designs Revisited and, like most men, I don't do sickness very well.
In fact, it is probably fair to say that if dealing with sick kids was like a tour of duty in the army, I would be labelled a deserter.
Although last week with Mrs Bell in Auckland on business, I was it - the last line of defence and, unfortunately, the kids managed to transfer their maladies to me.
I've had my fare share of "man flu" so think I have a keen sense for when I'm about to come down with something and, in fact, I self-diagnosed a strong headache as the beginning of my turn with the illness.
I assumed the inevitability of getting sick was similar to that of having to pay taxes and cornered the Wanganui market for Nurofen.
For the small business owner, illness and extended absences from work can be a major drain on productivity and performance.
Looking after yourself is really important, particularly where your business relies on your skills and your presence to keep up momentum.
We all need to take time out to relax and recharge our batteries and fortify our immunity. Also, exercise is important in maintaining good health.
Other people have old favourites to keep one step ahead of illness. In my case I could listen to my mother because, in the Bell family, a cup of tea is the cure for all ills.
So embedded in Bell family folklore is the humble cup of tea that, as a child, I thought that Bell Tea was the family company. Given its success as a national brand, I'd have been quite happy with that result, but it didn't take me long to figure out that the former Duncan Hospital on Durie Hill where my Dad worked wasn't a tea-making factory.
There are some in my family who prescribe tea like a doctor prescribes medication. "Got a headache? Have a cup of tea", "Sore throat? Cup of tea will fix that", "Your daughter has head-butted you on the trampoline? I'll put the kettle on".
But sometimes illness catches up on you. I'm a real advocate for stopping work if you are ill - particularly in the instance where you are part of a team. I got a reputation back in Auckland for sending people home when they were sick - due mainly to the fact that we worked in teams and if one of us went down it made things tougher, but if more than one became sick it presented a real risk to us in terms of getting the job done and meeting client expectations.
So, look after yourself, get fit, eat right and slow down before illness slams on the brakes for you. And avoid the medication that allows you to "soldier on", because in the end you take down your co-workers with friendly fire.
Russell Bell's Zenith Strategic Solutions is a specialist Wanganui business advice and consultancy practice - 021 2442421.