Don’t let the winter cold and snow cause your health to take a dip for the worse. Cold temperatures, wet conditions and an increase in germs can make it difficult to stay healthy, but here are some tips to keep the sick days to a minimum.
Getting a flu shot can be a big help to staying healthy this winter. The influenza vaccinations can help protect you and your family and give you a much lower chance of getting the flu this year. If you do catch one of the strains going around, the vaccines can help lessen the severity. The vaccines are especially recommended for people over the age of 50, those prone to infection and children starting at six months old.
The best way to avoid the flu is to avoid contact with people who have it. But how do you know when someone is contagious? One solution is to stock up on pens and keep one with you when you go out to keep germs at bay. Think about all the places you use pens and then think about the number of people, both sick and healthy, who use that same pen. Pretty gross, right?
There is no substitute for good old fashioned antibacterial soap and water when it comes to germ fighting. But when you’re on the go, you can’t always stop to wash your hands. One good solution is using hand sanitizer. Buy a few bottles of it and stash it in everyone’s bag or coat pocket. Sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol are the most effective. Also, look for those that don’t require water.
The foods you eat can also help boost your immunity so you don’t get sick. Selenium is found in shellfish like oysters, crabs and clams and it can help produce cytokines, which help rid the body of viruses. Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and mackerel are natural anti-inflammatory foods that can help protect your lungs from infection.
These are just a few tips that can help you weather cold/flu season better. Other preventative measures such as eating better, taking supplements like zinc and avoiding large crowds when a viral outbreak hits your community can help you avoid the flu and feel better. A warm bowl of chicken soup or a cup of tea sweetened with honey doesn’t hurt either.
