February 06, 2017
It is official. Cough, cold and flu season is in full swing. It is the season of less daylight and more sick days. In fact, according to Prevention Magazine, “each winter, these infections put millions of people out of commission, cost employers more than $20 billion in paid sick days, and send more than 200,000 sufferers to the hospital.”
So what can you do to help your chances of staying healthy this winter?
While there is no way to be 100 percent certain, there are many things you can do to help your chances of steering clear of all of the viruses floating around this season.
Viruses tend to breed indoors, especially in enclosed spaces. Bundle up and take a walk to get your daily dose of fresh air. Also, make a habit of opening the windows in your house, even if it is for 15 minutes at a time. I usually open them while cleaning to alleviate the smell of the cleaner and circulate fresh air into the house.
The CDC recommends that each person six months and over receive the influenza vaccine each year. High-risk groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly are encouraged even more so to get vaccinated. Talk to your health care provider about which variety is best for you.
Multivitamins can really help boost immunity by filling in the gaps that are in your diet. Don’t just go to the drug store and pick up a random box of vitamins. Talk to someone at your local health food store and tell them your needs. Employees at specialty stores like Bunn’s Natural Foods or Whole Foods are exceptionally helpful when it comes to finding the right vitamin for you.
Keep your hands as clean as possible by washing them thoroughly throughout the day. Use soap and sing the happy birthday song to yourself while you’re doing it. Experts say, that’s just the right amount of time to kill any germs you’ve come in contact with. Keep emergency hand sanitizer in your bag or your car to use when you don’t have access to a sink.
We all know that sharing drinks and silverware is a surefire way to transfer germs, so try to avoid doing so, even if it is with your children or spouse. Cover your hands or use your foot to open doors in communal places. Keep a pen on you so you don’t have to borrow one. And most of all don’t use anyone else’s cellphone!
The better the fuel you put in your tank, the better your car will run. Same principle applies when it comes to your body. Every single thing you put in your body passes over your DNA, and thereby affects your overall health.
Water is the great equalizer for your body. Keeping your water intake up will not only boost your immunity, it can boost your mood and even aid in weight loss. Find out how much you should be drinking to stay properly hydrated using this hydration calculator.
• • •
I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me. I will continue to keep you posted on my health journey. Follow me for updates @christiemandia.
