KEEP IT CLEAN
Basic hygiene is always helpful in avoiding colds. Frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water, avoiding contact with people you know are sick, avoiding known allergens and smoky environments are all ways to keep you healthy. But your nose needs special attention. Just like flossing your teeth goes with brushing, cleaning your sinuses with warm saline solution fights many of the viruses and bacteria that cause illness and congestion. You can use a saline nose spray, but my favorite healthy nose trick is the Neti Pot. Sure it may take a few tries to master the tilt of pouring the mini pitcher upside while avoiding spilling or draining it down your face. But once you get the hang of it, cleansing your sinuses with the Neti Pot reduces your intake of irritants resulting in a reduced risk of getting sick. Plus it actually just feels clean and healthy afterward. You can find one at most pharmacies, grocery or drug stores along with small packets of saline powder you add to purified water.