Tips To Stay Healthy This Cold And Flu Season

Many people happen to enjoy the colder seasons. Perhaps you enjoy outdoor sports, fall and winter fashion or even making hot soups and stews. Unfortunately, there is another side of colder weather that everyone wants to avoid if possible and that cold and flu season.

It would be nice to just wrap ourselves in a bubble and avoid all of the seasonal germs. Take these steps to protect yourself and increase the likelihood that you’ll escape the season's illnesses.

• Stay Hydrated. By increasing the amount of pure, clean water you drink every day it will help keep the mucous membranes in your eyes and nose moist. While this doesn't seem especially important, when the nose and eyes become too dry they are not able to catch and filter viruses as they enter the body.
• Stay Rested. When we fight the need to rest then we put our entire immune system under stress and when it is trying to keep us healthy we need it to be as strong as possible! When you feel tired, take the time to rest. It could be the difference between a healthy cold and flu season and one that’s is the opposite.
• Eat An Immune Boosting Diet. Chose to eat foods that are rich in antioxidant nutrients as they have been shown to have antiviral properties and they are high in fiber. Fiber is important because it feeds our gut bacteria, and a healthy gut has a large impact on our immune system. Garlic, onions, ginger, and other spices are great for boosting the immune system and keep us healthy during cold and flu season. In the winter it can be tempting to load up on comfort foods, however, it’s important not to forget healthy eating habits altogether.
• Routine Exercise. Sweat out toxins by going for a run or take a heated yoga class. Get your heart rate going and the blood pumping. Try to stay active with an exercise routine at home or group exercise classes. This will keep you moving and help you stay connected to others and is another great way to strengthen your immune system.
• Take Vitamin D . The days are shorter and darker in the winter and it can be hard to get enough sunlight for your body to create its own Vitamin D. Talk to your health care practitioner about checking your Vitamin D levels. If you are one of many that have low Vitamin D, take 5,000 IUs per day of a high-quality Vitamin D supplement and continue to monitor your levels. Try to get as much natural light as you can, this will help you maintain a positive attitude, which will also help boost your immune system.
• Wash your hands. You don't need to become obsessed with germs, however, washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent colds and flu and keep from spreading them. The proper way to wash your hands is to rub them together for at least 30 seconds with hot water and plain soap. Take the time to get the backs of your hands and in between your fingers and under your nails and then dry your hands thoroughly.
• Clean Your Electronics. Cell phones, computers, and other surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses, such as rhinoviruses, for up to 48 hours! You can easily clean your phone with an antibacterial microfiber cloth and spray cleanser suited for your device. If possible don’t use other people’s devices if you can avoid it.

When it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu season it is important to take a few extra moments to keep rested, eat a healthy diet and use common sense. When we’re healthy, we are able to live life to the fullest and truly flourish.

Unique Fitness offers 3 locations here on Long Island, each with their own style and focus, attracting people of all different ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Contact us today to claim your free 3-day trial membership.