How to stay healthy during cold and flu season
‘Tis the season for cold and flu prevention.
As the cold weather creeps in, it’s time to step up our healthy lifestyles to keep coughs and colds from ruining the beautiful autumn.
Get the flu shot. And then implement some of the simple cold-prevention tips below:
Prevent a cold
Wash and disinfect.Wash your produce. This isn’t just a pesticide issue, it’s a germ one. Pickers, packagers, shoppers and cashiers all touch your fruits and vegetables before you do.
Wash your hands.
This is especially important after you shake hands, handle groceries, use gym equipment, read a used book or magazine in a waiting room, take public transit, or are about to eat something.
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Disinfect commonly touched items in your home and office. Clean your computer keyboard, phone, doorknobs, appliance handles and light switches.
Prevent a cold
Treat your body well.
FitSugar encourages cold-preventers to keep up with their regular exercise routines to keep their immune systems strong. Adequate sleep will ensure your body has the energy to fight off a bug attacking your system.
Prevent a cold
Take zinc and eat wisely.
Glamour’s Vitamin G blog reports a new study has found zinc to be essential for our immune systems to destroy germs that cause illness. Chow down on cashews, black beans and oysters, or take a supplement. (Be careful with doses — too much can be toxic.)
EatingWell recommends fighting colds with a diet that includes vitamin D, green tea, probiotics and soluble fibre.
If you do come down with a cold, there are a few home remedies that can help ease the misery. Scientists have confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of chicken soup, and cucumber compresses can relieve a throbbing headache.
When you’re sick, do your part to prevent your cold from spreading. Most doctors’ offices would prefer you stay home, first discussing things with a doctor over the phone. It might save you a trip, and save other patients from your germs.
What do you do to fight off colds?
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