Fall and winter are times when many people get sick, from the common cold to the flu. But we all know one person who gets sick very rarely, if ever. How do they stay in good shape? It could be one of the following ways to stay healthy:
Exercise daily. It helps your body fight off illness. Studies show that moderate exercise can cut the number of colds you get by 25 to 50 percent per year.
Don't touch your face with your hands. In a minute, the average person touches their face two to four times. When germs are everywhere, it's easy to get sick with a cold or other virus. People get these viruses through their mouths, noses, and eyes. So it's best to keep your hands off your face.
Get your hands clean. Often. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that washing your hands is the best thing you can do to avoid getting a cold. During cold and flu season, we're always coming into contact with viruses, whether they're on doorknobs, stair rails, or even other people. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with regular soap and warm water. That's how long it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Scrub your hands, including the spaces between your fingers and under your nails. And drying your hands on a clean towel is just as important.
If you should wash your hands:
Before, while, and after food is cooked
Before you eat,
Before and after taking care of a sick person
Before treating a cut or wound and after
After going to the bathroom
After changing a child's diaper or cleaning up after he or she has gone to the bathroom,
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal food, or animal waste After handling pet food or pet treats
After going through trash
Eating well is important. Getting a healthy, well-balanced diet is an important part of living a healthy life, and it can also help your immune system. Look for foods that are high in vitamin C and D. Some examples are broccoli, strawberries, and oranges (like tuna, fortified milk and cereals). Quercetin, which is in red apples, broccoli, and green tea, can also give you a boost to your immune system.
Get your vitamins. Even though it's not true that vitamin C keeps you from getting colds, getting enough vitamin C and other vitamins can help make your immune system stronger. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great way to get a lot of different vitamins that will help your body fight off sickness.
Get a lot of sleep. Don't skimp on your Zzzzs. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to get enough sleep. Getting a good night's sleep will help your body fight off sickness.
Don't put off getting a flu shot. The Center for Disease Control says that the best way to stop the spread of flu is to get a flu shot. Even if the vaccine isn't the best match for the flu strain that year, it's still true.