Boost your Family’s Immune System

As we all know, colds and flu are highly contagious and the doctor will usually say, “you have to let it run its course.” Not getting sick in the first place is the best medicine. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will get sick and if you do get sick, a strong immune system will help you recover faster. A low or compromised Immune system increases you and your family’s chance of getting sick this flu season.

Take action today to strengthen your immune system and prevent colds and the flu:

  1. Eat Enough Good Food. Feed your family three meals a day that include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and that are low in saturated fat. That means less fatty meats and cheeses.

  2. Get Enough Sleep. Researchers have found that insufficient sleep depresses the immune system. We all know women need more sleep than men. Get those hours, ladies!

  3. Drink Plenty of Water. It is recommended that you drink six or eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluid every day. The amount of water you need may vary depending on how healthy you are, how much you exercise, and how dry the climate is. My trick is to take two water bottles with me to work every day, with lines already marked on them with time. This keeps me on track with reminding me to drink my water!

  4. Exercise. Moderate exercise can help your immune system fight infection. Even when it is cold outside you have to keep yourself and the kids moving.

  5. Reduce or eliminate stress. Like any Cleveland mom, we all have stress; but research has found that prolonged stress can suppress the immune system. Stress may not be able to be eliminated but the better you are at managing it, the better it can be for your health. Find time for yourself doing something that you enjoy. Read a book, take a bubble bath, paint your nails, meditate, lock the door, bake cookies, or scream at the top of your lungs. Whatever it is that helps you, find the time to do it or else you’ll be doing yourself and your loved ones a disservice.

In the addition to taking the above steps to avoid getting sick, also try washing hands frequently and use hand sanitizer in between washings. If you feel like you are “fighting off a bug” or “coming down with something,” try to limit your contact with others that could spread a cold or flu. Drink orange juice or try using Airborne. My teacher friends swear by this stuff. If you have any tips or tricks that help keep your family healthy during cold season, let us know. We are always looking to add new ways to fight off a sickness to our repertoire, too.

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