As winter approaches, pharmacies start rolling out the vaccination promotions. “Get your flu shot now!” scream the signs. The implication is that not getting a vaccination means signing your life over to the vagaries of germs and illness. It’s true that, cold weather means more people are shoved indoors, and that in turn means more germs are compacted into a small space. But getting sick every winter isn’t inevitable, and there are ways to be proactive about your health year-round.
Wash Up
One of the most basic things you can do is wash your hands regularly, notably after you go to the bathroom or before you cook or eat food. This should be something everyone with access to soap and running water does, but it’s not as common as one would hope. Notice the signs in restaurant bathrooms instructing all employees to wash their hands? Ideally, handwashing would be so instinctive that such signs wouldn’t even be required. Antibacterial stuff isn’t necessary; simple soap and water will do just fine. Realistically, you’re not going to get rid of every single germ; in fact, you shouldn’t want to. But washing your hands will go a long way towards flushing out the especially unpleasant ones.
Be Kind To Your Immune System
The strength of each person’s immune system depends on a lot of factors like age and underlying health conditions. People who are very young and very old tend to have weaker immune systems as a general rule. No matter your age, it’s worth it to explore the world of supplements designed to boost immunity. Some of these come in powder form that you add to water or tea, while others come in pill form. A little Vitamin C also never hurt anyone, although it may have been oversold as a cure-all for every ailment imaginable. If you’re a woman, you’re unfortunately more likely to suffer from an iron deficiency, so watch what you eat and make sure you’re eating enough leafy greens and other iron-rich foods. Regardless of gender, it’s not a bad idea to look at the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
Body Awareness
If a friend was struggling, chances are you would listen to their problems and offer advice. Well, the same is true of your body: listen to it when it’s trying to tell you something. It’s all too easy to keep going and going until there’s nothing left to give. If you refuse to give your body a break, your body will break down and force you to slow down. Sleep when you’re tired. Some people are sensitive to sugar and carbs, so cut back on certain food groups if they make you feel bad. Unfortunately, eating better food often means spending more money, so bookmark plenty of coupon sites and to find deals on other items you purchase. It’s worth it to cut back in some areas to ensure you’re eating a diet that’s delicious as well as healthy. Late-night trips to the drive-thru may taste good, but you’ll probably be feeling it the next day.
People in their teens and early twenties can get away with a lot more than those who are thirty and older. Back then, you could stay out until 2 a.m and have no problem showing up for class the next day. Life has changed in the meantime, and you have to be more aware of your limits. The good news is, you’re an adult now, and that’s something that has plenty of its own benefits. There’s no magic pill that can guarantee you will never get sick again, but a series of small changes can add up to a healthier, more rewarding existence.
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