Fewer Sick Days Is the Goal!

By Donna Stark 

Is it normal for you to get sick several times a year? Do you think others are calling into work and requesting days off because they are stuck at home and feeling completely under the weather too? Believe it or not, some people never seem to get sick. In fact, you may even know one or two who are like that, but do you know what their secrets are? You know what secrets we are talking about. The secrets that help keep them healthier than an ox! Take a look at a few of them below.

Wash Your Hands

This is, perhaps, one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of getting sick. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, no matter what season of the year you are in. Here are a few of the most important times to make sure your hands are clean.

• Before, during, and after you prepare your food
• Before you sit down to eat
• After you use the restroom or blow your nose
• After you have been shopping, traveling, or working
• After yard work or taking the garbage out
• After shaking people's hands

Clean and Disinfect Commonly Used Areas

In addition to making sure your hands are always clean, you should make sure your home, car, and workspace are clean too! The general rule of thumb is to clean daily and disinfect as much as needed. Be sure to focus on the surfaces that are touched the most throughout the day, such as your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, light switches, doorknobs, toys, steering wheels, and phones.

Eat the Right Foods

Of course, it's vital to eat a well-balanced diet, but if you want to reduce your risk of getting sick, consider increasing your consumption of immune-boosting foods. What are immune-boosting foods? They're the ones that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and that will strengthen your body's defenses. Here are a few examples.

• Citrus fruits
• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Blueberries
• Ginger tea
• Chicken noodle soup
• Bone broth
• Garlic
• Raw honey

Get Some Sun

While everyone knows the importance of Vitamin C, we can't forget how beneficial Vitamin D is too! Vitamin D is critical in the function of your body's immune system. It helps activate those essential "killer" cells that detect and target foreign invaders. It's also great at reducing inflammation and the risk of respiratory illnesses. Want to boost your Vitamin D? Head outdoors and let the sun shine down on you.

Staying Healthy

People who always seem to be in great health aren't practicing secret magic behind closed doors. They're just following healthy habits throughout their days, and you can too! Try the simple suggestions above, or come up with some of your own, and see how fast your health improves. You may end up being very surprised!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Downey, Calif.