Arm Yourself This Spring: Tips on How to Steer Clear of a Cold this Season
We all know what it feels like having to sit next to a person experiencing a series of coughs, sneezes and sniffles, wondering whether we’ll be infected the following day.
That’s something we would all rather avoid, right? The good news is that coming down with a cold can’t always be blamed on the obvious suspects; it is actually a more complicated process than that – one that you can outsmart by following these tips:
Lather Up
Whether viral, bacterial or fungal, germs exist everywhere and can remain active on most surfaces, especially public ones (ex. shopping carts) for several days! When you touch these surfaces the germs are transferred to your hands. Then if you touch your eyes, nose or lips, voila! You have infected yourself. It is important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, to kill the germs.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking damages the cilia, which are the tiny hair-like cells that exist in your nostrils and lungs. These cells are responsible for sweeping out debris (ex. viruses) from your body, but cannot perform their job properly under the effect of smoking. Smokers are more susceptible to contracting viruses than non-smokers.
Taste the Rainbow
To ensure a strong immune system, eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help boost your immune system. The wider your ‘rainbow’, the more the nutrients you are consuming. Having multivitamin supplements will help fill the gaps where your diet falls short.
Sleep On It
People whose sleep patterns involve less than 7 hours a night triple their chances of developing a cold. A fatigued body has a lower immune system and doesn’t have the strength to fight off infections. However with 8 hours of good sleep your body will recharge itself and be able to combat those troublesome intruders.
Portable Protection
Carrying around an easy-to-use gel sanitizer can increase your protection against germs, particularly when soap is not available. Use the gel generously after touching public surfaces, and especially before touching your face or having something to eat.
Extra Garlic, Please!
Garlic is known for giving the body an extra immunity boost. It contains antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent infections from developing and spreading. A clove or two a day will greatly help your body in the fight against germs.
Tip: To avoid garlic breath, cut the cloves into small pieces and swallow with herbal tea, followed by a few parsley leaves.
Move It
Studies show that people who exercise daily have half the number of colds and sore throats as people who are less active. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes daily can greatly reduce stress, and therefore improve your immune system. It has been estimated that 90 percent of illness and disease is stress related. So, quit stressing, and get moving.
Yours in Health,
