Summer’s almost over, which means that the schools are starting back up. So the weather is becoming cooler throughout the day, and the nights are becoming longer. And with the calendar changing, it’s time to focus on ways to stay safe and healthy during the colder winter months.
The fall is the start of the typical cold and flu season. All which can be especially problematic in the COVID pandemic. Unfortunately, many of the early symptoms for all these diseases are similar. I mean which can be challenging to diagnose and place additional stresses on the hospital system.
So what should a parent do to help guarantee optimal health during the fall? We have eight tips that will help you.
Wash Your Hands
It can’t be said enough, washing your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more. If you’ve ever wondered why 20 seconds is the recommendation, it is because it takes that amount of time for the soap to neutralize and “lift” the germs from your hands to be washed away. If you don’t have access to soap and water, often when you’re out of the house, be sure to have some hand sanitizer on you to use instead.
It’s best to wash your hands anytime you have potential exposure to germs such as handling food, touching anything outside, your hair, using the toilet, blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing, just to name a few.
Wear A Mask
Studies show that respiratory diseases can be slowed by wearing high-resistant masks at any time in public. The key is to find NIOSH-approved facial masks that cover the nose and mouth snugly and to wear them anytime you may be in the presence of others. Masks work to filter the potential germs from expiring when you breathe and filter out unwanted particles when you inhale.
Keep Physical Distance
One of the things we’ve learned over the past year and a half during COVID is the benefit of physical distancing when in public. Keeping at least 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others, especially in indoor settings, is an excellent way to prevent the spread of diseases.
Sleep
Sleep does more than just make you feel rested and provides energy for you the next day. It is one of the primary ways the body maintains itself. Therefore, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep for adults helps bolster the immune system.
Get Your Flu Shot
Every year, a different variation of the influenza virus comes around. Getting an annual flu vaccination provides you with the best defense against the more severe impacts of the flu bug. This tip is especially crucial to help slow down the flu bug and help keep sick people from overrunning an already exhausted medical field.
Be Well and Healthy
Your body needs exercise, sleep and eating a proper diet for optimal health. Choosing high-fiber, low-carbohydrate, and vegetable-based diets are safe and healthy suggestions. Or for energy as well as weight loss, a keto diet like I adhere to is an excellent way to bolster your immune system. The key is to eat the right foods, drink plenty of water and get daily exercise. Simply combine those with adequate sleep to be healthy.
Supplemental Vitamins
Many of our foods have been processed one way or another, robbing those sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Or perhaps you’re trying out a specific diet. As a result, you may be overlooking a particular macronutrient that your body needs. All which is when vitamin supplements become necessary. Again, you can lug yourself to the store or pharmacy to buy your vitamins. Being safe and healthy means also you can just sign-up. I mean for a low-cost vitamin subscription service to save you time.
Exercise
One of the most overlooked things we can do to live healthy and help the body ward off disease is regular exercise. Studies show that regular exercise aids the body long after the activity. It positively affects the immune system, and boosts moods, especially during fall and winter colder, grayer days.
Regardless of the season, these eight tips are good suggestions to take and can be applied year-round. Keep in mind that even when practicing these safe habits, illness is going to happen. By taking care of yourself and your body, you’ll avoid a lot of nasty side effects from seasonal illness. As a result, enjoy a much better quality of life.
