You know it’s Fall when PSL is back on the menu. You start feeling the cooler air and the leaves start to collect on your sidewalk. Every year when this time comes, you know it’s more important than ever to take steps to ensure you stay your healthiest all season long. After all, it’s the beginning of cold/flu season. There are myriad unpredictable things that can go wrong if you don’t take care of yourself, but fortunately, there are also a lot of things you can do to lower your risk of getting sick. Here are the top ways to keep your healthiest this fall.
Get a flu shot.
The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated every year. The flu virus constantly changes, so the vaccine is updated annually to keep up with the latest strains. Getting vaccinated is particularly important for those individuals at high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pregnant women, young children, people over 65, and people with chronic health conditions.
Eat a healthy diet.
When it comes to preventing illness, eating a healthy diet is key. A well-balanced diet helps to strengthen the immune system and keep the body fueled with the nutrients it needs to fight off infection. This is especially vital during cold and flu season, when there are more respiratory viruses circulating. Eating a wide variety of various fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean protein, can help to reduce your risks of getting sick. In addition, avoiding sugary foods and drinks is important, as sugar can weaken the immune system. By following some of these useful tips, you can help to keep your body healthy and reduce your chances of getting sick.
Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise is of utmost importance when it comes to your overall health. It helps to improve circulation, increase lung capacity, and boost the immune system. All of these helpful benefits add up to a reduced risk of illness, including colds and the flu. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to be even more effective than vaccination in preventing respiratory infections. So if you’re looking for a surefire way to stay healthy this winter, make sure to get plenty of exercise. And if you happen to fall ill, don’t worry – exercise can also help you recover more quickly.
Wash your hands often.
Washing your hands with soap may seem like a simple, everyday task, but it’s one of the best and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of illness. By washing your hands regularly, you remove germs and bacteria that can cause colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. In addition, hand washing helps to remove dirt, pollen, and other irritants that can trigger allergies. For the best results, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to wash all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails. If hand soap and hot water are not readily available, using hand sanitizer is a good alternative. However, hand sanitizer should not be used as a substitute for regular hand washing. By taking just a few minutes each day to wash your hands, you can help protect yourself and others from illness.
Avoid touching your face.
The hands are often one of the first places that viruses and bacteria enter the body, and from there, they can easily spread to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Once these viruses and bacteria enter the body through one of these mucous membranes, they can begin to multiply, causing illness. So, by avoiding any contact with your face, you can help to prevent the spread of these harmful pathogens. In addition, it’s also important to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated. By taking these simple precautions seriously, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting colds and the flu.
Stay hydrated.
Water helps to flush any harmful toxins from our bodies, boosting immune function and helping to keep the throat and nasal passages clear. Additionally, adequate hydration is essential for proper circulation, which allows the white blood cells that fight infection to move more freely throughout the body. Furthermore, water helps to thin mucus, making it easier for the body to expel viruses and bacteria. For all of these reasons, it is always vital to drink plenty of water every day, especially when cold and flu season is in full swing. By making a conscious effort to stay hydrated, you can help your body ward off sickness and stay healthy all winter long.
Try dietary supplements.
Most individuals are highly aware of the many benefits of taking a daily multivitamin, but not everyone realizes the importance of taking additional dietary supplements. Vitamin C and vitamin D gummies and elderberry gummies are two examples of supplements that can help to prevent illness. Many also come with high-quality ingredients, are gluten-free, and have natural flavors with citric acid. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles, and it also helps with immune support. Elderberry is a natural antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory health. A dietary supplement like these can help to reduce the risk of developing the common cold or the flu. In addition, they can also help to shorten the duration of these illnesses if you do happen to get sick. Taking gummy vitamins on a regular basis is an easy and effective way to help improve your overall health and well-being. As with any supplement like a gummy vitamin or elderberry extract, speak to your doctor first and do not exceed suggested dosage. Many brands have a high average rating value, giving you some peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
There are many various steps you can take to prevent getting sick and to keep you and your family the healthiest they can be this season. By following these tips above, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier winter. Just remember to choose what methods work best for you since not every person is the same. The most crucial thing to remember is to be consistent. Taking a multi-step approach to preventative health means that you’re more likely to stick with it and less likely to get sick in the first place.
