15 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick

It’s that time of year again where you’ll find a lot of cupboards stocked with cold remedies. The winter months are tough because a lot of people are prone to getting the cold or flu. You and your family can avoid getting sick this winter if you follow these 15 helpful tips.

15 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick

1. Washing your hands with warm water and regular soap is the top way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Antibacterial soaps aren’t better than regular soap as they don’t kill more viruses. In fact, viruses become resistant. This also goes for hand sanitizers. Those are better than nothing if there’s no place to wash your hands. So only, use it as your last resort.

Washing your hands properly will prevent the spread of the cold or flu virus. Here’s how to wash your hands properly.

Sing the “Happy Birthday” song or count to 15; rub soap in between your fingers, under your fingernails, top of your hands and concentrate on the thumb area as this area is often missed. Rinse well and then use a paper towel to turn off the tap.

Wash your hands frequently especially when you’re around someone who is sick or when they feel dirty and when they are dirty. Wash them before eating anything even if you’re using utensils. Not everyone practice this, but always wash your hands after you use the washroom. You should also remember to wash them after handling money, touching door knobs, computer mouse you share with others, pet handling, handling of raw meats etc.

Avoid touching your face especially the eyes, mouth and nose areas as these areas are where viruses enter.

2. A healthy and strong immune system can fight off colds and flu viruses before giving it a chance to enter your body. If it does invade your system, you’re more likely to fight it off before developing any symptoms.

Eliminate processed foods and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water will keep your system running well. Water cleanses your body of harmful toxins and flushes out germs. Avoid eating too much refined sugar as this weakens your immune system and viruses feed on and multiply on sugar.

3. Avoid biting your fingernails as they harbor the most bacteria.

4. If you have a small cut on your finger like a paper cut, it’s best to use a Band-Aid to prevent infection and to prevent entry of a cold virus.

5. Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

6. If you’re sick, try not to snuggle and kiss your kids. Kids’ immune systems aren’t as strong as an adult, but you can help them build a strong immune system by making sure they eat healthy and get a good amount of sleep each night.

7. Disinfect hard surface areas like tables, knobs, counter tops, remote control, computer mouse, keyboard, etc. Germs and viruses can live up to 8 hours or more on these surfaces. Also, disinfect your kids’ back packs, lunch bag, water bottle, and so forth.

8. Kids are virus carriers which mean they can bring home an assortment of germs and grimy, icky things. Make sure they practice good hygiene all the time.

9. Avoid contact with someone who is sick or at least keep your distance.

10. Increase your vitamin D and C intake as these will boost your immune system. You can take supplements and eat foods that contain these vitamins.

11. Exercising regularly is a very important part of our livelihood. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking is helpful, but of course, longer is better. There are many ways you can stay fit at home without using equipment. Jumping jacks, lunges, push ups, sit ups, hula hoop, rope skipping and such.

12. Dispose of your tissue immediately. Don’t leave it in your pocket or table and avoid clothe handkerchiefs for blowing your nose when you’re sick. Eww.

13. If you’re sick or your child is sick, stay home!

14. Manage your stress with deep breathing, prayer, yoga or meditation. Deal with problems that arise and don’t let them sit and brew.

15. Use a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist. A humidifier can reduce the survival of airborne and surface viruses.

Do you have any tips to add?? Please share them below…

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