by Debi Talbert
It’s winter, which means in addition to cooler weather, we’re also faced with flu season.
Just this weekend I missed my grandson’s sixth birthday because of the flu. I’ll probably have to miss my granddaughter’s third birthday party too since the flu can drag on for weeks. My daughter and her family also were hit with the flu, as were many children from the local middle school. The students were hit so hard they closed the school for a few days. I hate missing out happy family events! As a result I started thinking about ways I can decrease my risk of flu next year.
Below are some preventive tips to help you stay healthy during flu season:
Stick to hygiene basics by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Carry hand sanitizer with you as you may not always be near a sink to wash up.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose to limit the risk of exposure to germs on your hands
Make sure you get ample sleep.
Exercise regularly
Drink lots of water.
Load up on immune-boosting foods such as dark, leafy greens, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C.
Below are 15 foods to help boost your immune system:
- Red bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Almonds
- Turmeric
- Green Tea
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Poultry
- Sunflower seeds
- Shellfish
Of course we can catch the flu year-round, but studies show the likelihood is greatest from December to March. A common misconception about the flu is that it’s a minor illness, like a cold, and not serious. In reality, the flu can be extremely dangerous, especially for the elderly, infants and those who have certain pre-existing conditions….like pregnancy, heart condition, asthma, diabetes, cancer and HIV.
Do you have other tips to stay healthy during flu season? We’d love to hear from you!
image source: Alexandra Gorn
*Source – US National Library of Medicine – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590612/
** Source – Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system#sunflower-seeds
Note: The information provided above are not intended as medical advice. The article represents the beliefs of the writer.
Debi Talbert
Debi Talbert is a Certified Life Coach with The Life Coach School and This Naked Mind Institute. She coaches the 50 plus individual who is exhausted trying to figure out how to end their dysfunctional relationship with alcohol. She helps people who struggle to stop drinking, but do not accept the labels of “alcoholic” or “powerless”.
Debi knows at a deeply personal level that Life Coaching is transformative. She helps clients rebuild their trust in themselves and change their beliefs about life. She is the creator of Exit The Drinking Life podcast and offers online programs which include training videos and weekly live coaching sessions.In addition, she offers a monthly membership to teach you to coach yourself, teach you how to feel better, teach you to take massive action and flourish in life beyond alcohol. Find information about programs and resources at rethinkingalcohol.com
