The holiday season is in full swing, and while that may mean spending time with friends and family, it also means an abundance of germs. We know how important keeping a healthy household is, so we’ve put together five ways you can help prevent illness during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Ways You Can Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Getting vaccinated is a great way to combat the flu, but it’s not the only solution. Avoiding close contact with those who may be ill, covering your mouth and nose when coughing, and just staying home if you are sick are great ways to stop the spreading of yucky germs. If you have kiddos, be sure to teach them how to cough appropriately, as well. And last but not least, keeping frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill clean and disinfected, is also essential.
Importance of Proper Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. According to the CDC, here are the proper washing techniques.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
No soap and water? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Staying Well Hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated helps your whole body operate at its best. For your body to fight infection, it needs sufficient water. For most, drinking 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day will do the trick. Water is the best choice; you want to be sure not to drink too much soda, coffee, or sugary juice drinks, which can dehydrate you.
Keeping Fit and Well Rested
You don’t have to hit the gym to stay fit. Experts say frequency (how often), intensity (how hard), and time (how long) are what matter. Find just 30 minutes, which doesn’t have to be consecutive minutes. You could take short and brisk walks two to three times a day. Or do three 10-minute spurts (or two 15-minute spurts) of activity that makes your heart happy.
Rest is just as important. Getting a good night’s sleep helps your body function properly and ward off illness.
Give Your Immune System a Boost with These Foods
Fueling your body correctly is a great way to fight off illness, here is a list of superfoods to get you into flu busting shape.
- Elderberry
- Button Mushrooms
- Acai Berry
- Oysters
- Watermelon
- Wheat Germ
- Low-fat Yogurt
- Spinach
- Tea
- Sweet Potato
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Miso
- Chicken Soup
- Pomegranate Juice
- Ginger
The Takeaway
Check out these other ways you can keep you and your family healthy this flu season. The end of the year is a perfect time for a “well check” on your insurance policies, as well. Give our insurance experts at Paradiso Insurance a call at 860-684-527. We will be happy to go over your current policies to check for any gaps in coverage.