With many individuals spending more time at home, awareness of personal health is a timely seasonal focus.
Keeping our immune systems strong is imperative in fighting off colds, flu and COVID-19. Making time for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and eating super foods with high levels of vitamin C are just two easy lifestyle shifts we can all schedule into our lives. Follow these additional quick tips to put your health first:
- Wash your hands frequently. COVID-19 has been present for months now, and there have been dozens of articles released on the most effective way to wash your hands. Within these articles, it is commonly reiterated to lather up your hands with soap and water and wash regularly for 20 seconds, specifically after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, feeding your pet, caring for a sick person, using the bathroom, and before preparing/eating food.
- Minimize stress. Research makes it apparent that people with high stress typically have low white blood cell counts. This triggers these individuals to be more susceptible to catching illnesses such as the cold, flu, or the dreaded coronavirus. Meditating, exercising, drinking tea, and getting adequate sleep are common methods proven to reduce stress and boost the immune system.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. Studies show that drinking heavily on a regular basis causes the body to be less likely to fight off infections. Keep your immune system strong and be cautious with the levels of alcohol you consume.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can negatively affect the heart, lungs, and body. Light smoking, or social smoking can lead to several side effects, such as heart disease, lung cancer, cataracts, and aortic aneurysms. Prioritize your health and cut smoking.
- Adopt healthy habits. A healthy immune system needs an abundance of nutrients to keep it running. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet to not only provide the fuel, but to help in maintaining a healthy weight. Establish an exercise routine that fits your individual life can also contribute to an overall healthy body, which is necessary for a strong immune system.
Taking care of your body will increase your chances of staying healthy in both the short and long run. Put yourself first in this unprecedented time, use your ‘home time’ to better your lifestyle habits, and encourage your friends and family to follow in your footsteps!
To view the article in the online 2020 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
RESOURCES:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/light-and-social-smoking-carry-cardiovascular-risks
https://www.health.harvard.edu/how-to-prevent-infections
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17922947/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
https://thehealthychef.com/blogs/wellbeing/how-to-reduce-stress-heal-your-immune-system
