Staying Healthy and Avoiding the Flu!

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Cool weather can be a nice change in the state of Florida, but it can also cause sickness. The winter time is the perfect time for colds and flu to be passed around, especially since viruses such as the flu can survive longer in cold weather. The best way to avoid contracting such a sickness is by boosting your immune system.

As most of us know, many sicknesses are passed through touch. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the simple act of hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Make sure to keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick or spreading sickness to someone else. An easy way to accomplish this is by carrying around hand sanitizer.

What you include in your diet has the ability to boost your immune system, which can help you fight sickness naturally without the use of antibiotics. A healthy diet almost always begins with adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, preferably raw or lightly steamed. Though this may not sound like a fun idea, these foods contain a valuable source of natural vitamins and antioxidants. You can also boost your immune system by cutting back on sugar intake, adding probiotics and herbs to your diet, and drinking teas such as green tea.   

Exercising regularly and getting a good amount of sleep are other ways to stimulate your immune system. Though too much exercise can have a reverse effect and possibly decrease your immune function, exercise has the ability to increase the number of bacteria and virus fighting cells and can help you relieve negative stress. 

*For more information, check out Willy Street Co-Op’s website.

 

We at Westgate-Jones hope you use these tips to stay healthy this winter!

Westgate-Jones Insurance Agency
352-787-7548