BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS WINTER SEASON
December 3, 2021
Kelly Gallagher
Cold and flu season is in full swing. How can you boost your immune system to help ward off those nasty winter bugs? Let’s review some basics:
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
1.GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
We’re all busy during the holiday season and beyond. Interruptions in our sleep cycle can lower our immune defenses so do your best to get to sleep and wake up within about an hour of your typical time.
2. EXERCISE
Not only is exercise an immune booster, it elevates your mood. Try to schedule 30 – 60 minutes of moderate exercise at least three days a week.
3. NUTRITION
Holiday treats are great! Enjoy them in moderation and keep your regular daily meals nutritious to maintain balance and a healthy immune system.
YOU CAN TAKE OTHER MEASURES TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING THE WINTER SEASON:
1. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH GOOD HAND HYGIENE
Use hand sanitizer after venturing out, especially if you are touching doorknobs or handrails.
2. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE
Many viruses get into the body through our mucous membranes. That actually includes your eyes! Try to avoid touching your nose and rubbing your eyes when venturing out.
3. WEARING A MASK
One lesson we learned from Covid is that masks work! If you’re going out in public or attending a large gathering, consider wearing a mask. You’ll avoid a lot of viruses that way!
OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:
● Vaccinations: Covid and flu vaccines protect yourself and those around you. Consider vaccination if you haven’t already.
● Staying home when you are ill: Giving yourself time to rest and recover with any illness helps yourself and prevents other contacts from getting ill as well. Stay at home if you can.
● Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue: If you need to go out when you are feeling under the weather, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, throw it right away then use hand sanitizer afterward.
Enjoy the winter holiday season and 2022. We hope to see you in our new Recovery Lounge as we start the New Year.