Fall is a great time of year with cooler weather after a very hot summer that many have experienced this year. It is also the start of foliage season and the holidays that many of us enjoy. Unfortunately it is also the beginning of cold and flu season.
Many of us will have at least one illness between now and when springtime arrives. This will bring those all too familiar runny noses, fevers, coughing and sore throats. Fortunately there are things we can do to help avoid this from happening. I am going to give you my list but if you have any others to add please share them with our readers. I am sure they will be greatly appreciated.
1. It may sound like common sense but as much as possible try to avoid direct contact with people that are exhibiting symptoms. People come to school or work everyday that are sick. Try to stay at least 3 feet away from them to limit your exposure.
2. If you have symptoms try to take a day or two off. I realize that with all the pressures on us today this is easier said than done but give it a try.
3. Make sure you get enough rest. Sleep helps your body fight off germs when you are healthy and also help to rejuvenate you when you are ill. If you are overtired and run down this degrades your body’s natural defenses to fight off germs.
4. Make sure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid eating fast or junk foods to fill up on. These are the types of foods that do not supply your body with the vitamins and minerals that it needs to fight off infection. Vitamin C is a wonderful immune system booster and can be obtained from foods such as orange juice or even sunlight. Another important vitamin is vitamin B which helps your body fight the effects of stress. Sometimes people underestimate the affects that stress has on us. Over prolonged periods of time it can deplete the body of nutrients and vitamins that we need to maintain our health.
5. Consider supplementation. Some common supplement such as Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and help us fight off colds and flu that we may be exposed to.
6. Keep your body well hydrated. Drinking the suggested 6 to 8 glasses of water each day helps to keep the respiratory system hydrated which in turn helps to keep your immune system functioning at optimal levels.
7. Consider getting a flu shot.
8. Keep your hands clean. While this is only one small way that germs get into your body it can be significant if you are one of those people that touches their moths and noses frequently throughout the day.
9. This next one is one of the old fashioned remedies that you use to hear from your grandmother. If you suffer from a sore throat drink tea with honey and lemon. As it turns out grandma was right. There is scientific evidence suggesting that it does effectively help. Thanks to all you grandmothers out there that were the first to know this.
These are some of the things you can do to help yourself and your family get through the cold and flu season. As I mentioned earlier if you have any others that you feel may benefit the rest of us please share them.
Fall is a great time of year with cooler weather after a very hot summer that many have experienced this year. It is also the start of foliage season and the holidays that many of us enjoy. Unfortunately it is also the beginning of cold and flu season.
Many of us will have at least one illness between now and when springtime arrives. This will bring those all too familiar runny noses, fevers, coughing and sore throats. Fortunately there are things we can do to help avoid this from happening. I am going to give you my list but if you have any others to add please share them with our readers. I am sure they will be greatly appreciated.
1. It may sound like common sense but as much as possible try to avoid direct contact with people that are exhibiting symptoms. People come to school or work everyday that are sick. Try to stay at least 3 feet away from them to limit your exposure.
2. If you have symptoms try to take a day or two off. I realize that with all the pressures on us today this is easier said than done but give it a try.
3. Make sure you get enough rest. Sleep helps your body fight off germs when you are healthy and also help to rejuvenate you when you are ill. If you are overtired and run down this degrades your body’s natural defenses to fight off germs.
4. Make sure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid eating fast or junk foods to fill up on. These are the types of foods that do not supply your body with the vitamins and minerals that it needs to fight off infection. Vitamin C is a wonderful immune system booster and can be obtained from foods such as orange juice or even sunlight. Another important vitamin is vitamin B which helps your body fight the effects of stress. Sometimes people underestimate the affects that stress has on us. Over prolonged periods of time it can deplete the body of nutrients and vitamins that we need to maintain our health.
5. Consider supplementation. Some common supplement such as Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and help us fight off colds and flu that we may be exposed to.
6. Keep your body well hydrated. Drinking the suggested 6 to 8 glasses of water each day helps to keep the respiratory system hydrated which in turn helps to keep your immune system functioning at optimal levels.
7. Consider getting a flu shot.
8. Keep your hands clean. While this is only one small way that germs get into your body it can be significant if you are one of those people that touches their moths and noses frequently throughout the day.
9. This next one is one of the old fashioned remedies that you use to hear from your grandmother. If you suffer from a sore throat drink tea with honey and lemon. As it turns out grandma was right. There is scientific evidence suggesting that it does effectively help. Thanks to all you grandmothers out there that were the first to know this.
These are some of the things you can do to help yourself and your family get through the cold and flu season. As I mentioned earlier if you have any others that you feel may benefit the rest of us please share them.