Did you know that Americans get more than one billion colds a year. So why is
it that we have smartphones but still no cure for colds and flu? ANSWER: we're dealing with smart viruses. Any one of hundreds of viruses could launch a
cold or flu attack, and chances are that this year's flu virus won't be the
same as last year's. That's because viruses have the uncanny ability to
constantly morph into new variations, making it nearly impossible to develop a
simple cure. But, you can do some things to help prevent those attacks from become a full BLOWN affair!!
Five Key Strategies for Staying Healthy this Winter
1. Wash Your Hands: Simple reminder. Washing hands
remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from colds
and flu. Lather, rinse, repeat throughout the day. Do it long enough to sing
“Happy Birthday” twice.
2. Get Enough Sleep: Sleep may be your
immune system’s secret weapon, according to recent scientific research. Less
than seven hours of sleep a night made people three times more likely to catch
a cold than those who got eight or more hours of zzzs.( So why am I writing this post at 12:30 am?)
3. Exercise: While very vigorous
physical activity (like running a marathon) can put a damper on your immune
system, most scientists agree that moderate physical activity actually helps
boost the immune cells that fight off invaders. NO EXCUSES!!
4. Fuel Yourself with
Good Nutrition: An orange a day (along with strawberries, bell peppers,
potatoes, and other vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables) can help keep the
doctor away. Lean meat, fish, and other protein sources also provide the amino
acids needed to help maintain your immune system. Don’t forget to fill in
nutritional gaps with immune supporting nutrients like zinc and vitamins D, A,C and E. Harvard scientists even suggest vitamin D supplements may help reduce
the occurrences of colds. The scientists found low vitamin D levels in nearly
20,000 Americans increased their cold and flu risk.
5. Power up with Plant Extracts: Scientific research
has led to the discovery of a combination of plant extracts that naturally
boost the body’s own production of interferon, a component of the immune system
that helps fight off viruses. Other plant compounds found in elderberry andechinacea extracts can help, too. Take these when you
feel the first sign of something coming on, and continue taking them for about
a week as needed.
So, what is your strategy going to be this winter?
Let it get you down OR prepare for battle!!
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