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10 Ways to Prevent Becoming Sick

With the recent string of incidents in the news regarding influenza and the coronavirus, it seems that everyone is a bit more cautious about staying healthy this season. You need only to watch the news to see that the potential for virus outbreaks can be devastating to your health, the economy, and even the world. As people become increasingly more concerned about safeguarding their health and protecting their families, it is necessary to take action to prevent sickness and disease.  Here are ten ways to build your immune system to keep from getting sick.

What can I do?

You may not have a medical degree, but there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming sick. Take precautions now and rest easy later, knowing that you have weathered the storm. Read on and stay healthy!

1. Wash your hands well and often

Washing hands
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Handshakes can quickly spread germs and bacteria, and touching surfaces in common areas in schools, offices, and doctor’s waiting rooms can transfer disease to you quite quickly. An excellent rule of thumb to follow is to properly wash your hands every time you shake someone’s hand or touch something that is used frequently by others. Lather up with a good antibacterial soap and rinse well, drying with a clean cloth or paper towels to prevent the spread of illness and disease.

2. Don’t touch your face

Your nose and eyes are two big entrance points for germs and bacteria. With this in mind, avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you must touch your face, consider washing your hands before doing so.

3. Get adequate sleep

Sleeping
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Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. When you are tired, your immune system cannot effectively fight off anything that may be cooking; your body needs extra sleep and rest when it is trying to recover from illness. Make an effort to go to bed at the same time each night, and establish healthy bedtime habits to avoid sleepless nights and less than productive days. Your healthy body will thank you.

4. Stay active

Research shows that physical activity helps improve almost every aspect of your health. Your systems function more efficiently, you are able to fight off disease and infection, and you become stronger. Consider doing a Google search for “fitness near me” to find a local gym to join. Or come up with a series of exercise routines to do at home or around the neighborhood. Either way, commit to beginning an exercise regimen that improves all aspects of your health.

5. Eat your fruits and veggies

While it may not be your favorite thing to do, eating healthy and including plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet will help you to fight off anything that comes your way. When you feed your body properly, it functions as it should, and this includes your immune system. Give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to operate properly, and you won’t have to worry about half the germs and bacteria that come your way.

6. Stay away from sickness

If you can, keep away from those that are already sick or suspected of being sick. It is easier to catch something from someone who is sick than surrounding yourself with healthy people. If you must interact with people who are sick, keep your distance and wash your hands and face often.

7. Use hand sanitizer

Hand santizier
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When you don’t have running water at your disposal, it pays to have hand sanitizer on hand. Keeping an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes with you at all times will allow you to clean up when you are on the go, even in the messiest of situations.

8. Stop smoking, for crying out loud!

Smoking actually makes structural changes to your respiratory tract, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. It also decreases your immune response, making it difficult to stay on top of your health. You know this habit is not benefitting you in any way; isn’t it time that you left it and moved on? Start improving your health today and refuse to light up one more cigarette.

9. Don’t share food and drink

As much as you’d like to take a bite of your friend’s cheesecake, it’s really not worth the risk that you are taking of becoming ill. Steer clear of communal snacks like nut and chip containers, and sip from separate straws if you must share a drink. Nothing tastes quite as good as healthy feels, right?

10. Maintain a positive attitude

Exciting new research points to the fact that a positive attitude of gratitude is helpful in helping to stave off disease and illness. Pleasure and happiness help to boost immunity, and this is your single best defense against illness.

Following these smart tips will help you weather cold and flu season, as well as to fortify yourself against any potential outbreaks we may be experiencing. Take proactive measures to improve your health, and celebrate with all of the vibrant people around you who are taking charge of their health as well!