Ways to keep yourself healthy during flu season

As flu season come to an end for the year, it is important to remember that germs are present year round. It is important to regularly practice preventative care to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Good habits like washing your hands and getting an adequate amount of sleep can do wonders for your health and to minimize germs from spreading. Below are 5 simple tips and reminders on how to (do your best) to avoid falling ill.

Tip #1: Practice Good Hygiene:

The top defense against germ-filled environments is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (Need songs to sing? Try “Truth hurts” by Lizzo, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or sing “Happy Birthday” two times). While washing your hands and keeping them clean might seem like a no brainer, it can make a big difference when it comes to keeping you safe from illness.

Tip #2: Keep your hands away from your face:

Bad habits are hard to break and as much as you might want to touch your face, try your best to refrain from it. We understand that it is a subconscious behavior but your hands hold lots of minuscule bacteria that you could transfer to your face. Your face has multiple entryways (ears, nose and mouth) for viruses to weasel their way in and contaminate you. The best course of action is to not touch your face or, if you absolutely have to, make sure to douse your hands with hand sanitizer.

Tip #3: Wipe down your phone:

Our cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats! In this day and age, we carry our cell phones everywhere and unknowingly put it down on miscellaneous surfaces such as your desk, the counter at the bank, the list goes on. It’s a good idea to regularly wipe down your phone with sanitizer wipes.

Tip #4: Get enough rest:

Research shows that getting a good night’s rest of seven to eight hours is essential to staying healthy and keeping our immune system boosted.

Tip #5: Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

From eating your fruits and vegetables to hitting the gym on a regular basis, your body is more likely to ward off any sickness when you take care of yourself from the inside out. You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise and eat a colorful diet that includes a variety of grains, vegetables, dairy and fruits. Without proper nutrition, your body is more susceptible to picking up illnesses.