Fighting a cold or the flu is a horrible feeling — especially when trying to keep up with your daily routines! It is important that you practice some common cold prevention tips to reduce the chance of catching anything during cold and flu season:
- Washing your hands frequently.
- Getting approximately eight hours of sleep every night to keep your defenses up in your body.
- Making time for regular workouts.
- Giving yourself down time.
- Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Taking daily vitamins.
- Schedule a flu shot during the months of October through April (peak season for colds and flu.
Did you know that by eating healthy you can avoid getting sick? Well it’s true! There are foods that research has shown to boost your immune system and may prevent you from getting sick such as…
- Garlic – increase your resistance to infection and stress.
- Cheese and other dairy product – these products contain conjugated linoleic acid, which is a natural component found in dairy fat.
- Yogurt and cultured milk products – these products contain probiotics.
- Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits and juices.
- Zinc – found in meat, chicken, peanuts and peanut butter.
Sometimes even if you are very careful and do all the right things to avoid catching a cold or the flu, it is inevitable. When this happens be sure to drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, use a humidifier in your room to moisten mucus membranes, and eat some of the immune boosting foods listed above. There are even some foods that are proven to help heal you while you are sick such as…
- Ginger root – induces sweating plus decreases nausea and diarrhea.
- Chicken soup and warm beverages – increases the flow of nasal secretions and helps alleviate cold symptoms.
- Balanced diet – daily requirements of essential vitamins and minerals from all food groups.
When you are sick, try your best to stay home to prevent spreading your germs and infecting others. You would be surprised how easily germs and viruses are spread by touching objects that others have touch. Remember to always use a tissue or your upper arm to cough or sneeze into instead of your hand which potentially spreads germs. Most importantly, do not forget to use your Rx Savings Card!