PHONE : 570-769-2877
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 22
To your Health !
- Avoiding Seasonal Illnesses -
Fall is many people ' s favorite time of year . But along with the beautiful foliage , fun festivals , and everything pumpkin and spice , there are a myriad of illnesses that peak in October through March . Contrary to popular belief , chillier weather itself isn ' t behind the increase in seasonal illnesses , including colds , flu , RSV , and COV- ID . Instead , people are just spending more time in closer quarters , which gives viruses a perfect opportunity to spread . Windows are closed , germs are trapped , and we ' re touching more of the same things . Here are some easy to follow tips to help you stay healthy so you can thoroughly enjoy the season :
1 ) Maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of green vegetables . They are rich in vitamins that help support a healthy immune system .
2 ) Take a Vitamin D supplement . The lack of exposure to sunlight could cause a deficiency , which might lead to a weak immune system . Choose supplements that contain D3 ( cholecalciferol ), since it ’ s better at raising your blood levels of vitamin D . Eat foods that are good sources of vitamin D , like egg yolks , mushrooms , salmon , canned tuna , and beef liver . 3 ) Stay active . Many people discontinue their exercise and walking routines because of the cold weather . Find a routine you can follow indoors , as exercise accelerates the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells ( WBCs ), which helps the body fight the common cold . 4 ) Get enough sleep . A minimum of 7 or 8 hours are critical for the body to release cytokines , which help the body fight infection by regulating the immune system .
5 ) Practice good hygiene . Limiting your exposure to illness by avoiding germs is key to remaining healthy , and hand washing is critical to avoid spreading germs . Wash your hands before eating or preparing food , and before inserting contact lenses or performing any other activity that brings you in contact with your eyes or mouth . Wash your hands for 20 seconds and scrub under your fingernails . Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing . Carry an alcohol-based hand cleaner for on-the-go use . Disinfect shared surfaces , such as keyboards , telephones , doorknobs , and remote controls . Flu viruses can generally survive on surfaces for 24 hours . That leaves plenty of time for germs to spread among family members . To avoid sharing them , keep personal items separate , such as toothbrushes , towels , utensils , and drinking glasses .
6 ) Stay hydrated . Staying hydrated lets your body circulate blood more freely , allowing flu and cold fighting white blood cells better fight off viruses .
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PHONE : 570-769-2877
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