Flu Season is Upon Us: Here's How to Avoid It
By Virginia Laird
While many may be readily anticipating the festivities that accompany fall, some view this time of year with less enthusiasm and more concern about the flu. For those who choose to get vaccinated against the flu, now is the time to begin planning your trip to the doctor. Still, there are some who prefer not to do so. Choosing to be or not to be vaccinated can be a sensitive subject, one that only you can determine what is best for your family. Even though healthcare providers will admit there are no sure ways to prevent the flu from taking over your body, there are plenty of things you can do to help avoid falling victim to this season’s flu, including:
- Carry sanitizer in your purse
- Clean grocery carts before using them
- Make sleep a priority
Carry Sanitizer in Your Purse
Keeping your hands clean is a vital aspect to staying well. While washing your hands with soap and warm water is the best remedy for clean hands, sanitizer can do the job when hand washing is unavailable. Keeping sanitizer in your purse (or car) can allow you to clean your hands after direct contact with others, or items that you may not know from where they came. Healthcare providers insist that if you are one who prefers to keep your family healthy, you should make sanitizer available as often as possible.
Clean Grocery Carts Before Using Them
Like millions of others, I have been guilty of grabbing a cart at the grocery store and going about my business. However, healthcare providers have suggested you take the time to sanitize these carts (or at least the handles). Although it may not be something you think about (or want to think about) many people have handled the very cart you are using. Some of these people will have been ill or have been around ill family and may spread germs through handling this cart. And of course, some of put babies in the seat for them to do whatever it is that they do, if you know what I mean. It is necessary, for those who want to avoid the flu (or worse) to take the time to carefully wipe down your cart prior to using it.
Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep is another important part of maintaining good health. While it can be tempting to pile on as much as you can in one day, it is far more important that you make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. Research suggests it is during sleep that the body repairs itself. The immune system also rebuilds and boosts itself for the attacks it may face throughout the following day. It is advised the average adult should get a minimum of at least six hours of sleep each night. However, there are many who require much more.
Now is the time to begin taking precautions against the flu by making these habits part of your lifestyle. As you are able to stay healthy, you may be ready to enjoy the fun festivities that accompany fall.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.