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Because we all need reminding every now and then…
It’s that time of year again! Kids are spreading colds in school, co-workers are coughing all over your cubicle, and people are sneezing in the elevator. How can you protect yourself from the people around you who may not be so careful?
1) WASH YOUR HANDS!
More often than you think you need to, for longer than you think you need to! (Remember what you learned in kindergarten? Sing the “happy birthday” song as you wash!)
Even in hospitals the #1 defense against spreading disease is hand washing. Simple as that!
2) GET YOUR Zssss !
It may be elusive to some of us, but that doesn’t change the fact that sleep is ultimately what our immune systems need to function properly. When we are asleep our body can make the necessary white blood cells that help us defend against viruses and bacteria we encounter throughout the day.
It may not be easy, but aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep if you’re an adult. Watch out for alcohol consumption as it actually interrupts our sleep cycles and decreases quality of rest. Alcohol also lowers our immune system once we indulge past 1-2 drinks a day!
3) BUNDLE UP!
What that means is covering your airways and throat from cold winds and airborne particles. The nasal passages, throat and ears all have defensive mechanisms to keep our bodies healthy. Being cold does in fact lower your immunity in these areas. So don’t underestimate the importance of a good scarf, hat, and earmuffs!
4) PACK IN THE PRODUCE!
Fruits and vegetables have all of the vitamins and antioxidants we need to keep our bodies functioning at tip top shape . If you can get them in on a daily basis you don’t need extra vitamins – you will be getting the best form of disease fighting chemicals right from your fridge!
Hearty soups, salads, or munching on cut up veggies and fruits throughout the day also help keep you full.
5) GET YOUR HEART MOVING!
Regular aerobic exercise keeps your immunity up. It doesn’t have to be hours of running or cycling either!
When it’s freezing out our tendency is to want to stay in and get cozy – of course! Yet we still need to get the heart rate up and keep our hearts and lungs strong. If you have access to an exercise machine indoors this will help tremendously over the cold winter months.
Of course getting out for some fresh air is still a must in the cold weather – just remember to cover up your airways and preserve your body heat with s hat! Brisk walks work wonders for our immunity.
