Nyra Pasha, News editor
As school starts and the weather begins to change, cold and flu viruses begin to attack. While everyone else is sniffling and coughing, here are five tips and habits to implement in order to stay healthy and well during cold and flu season.
- Wash your hands frequently and properly. This is the most obvious action to take, but it is also the most important action for staying healthy. Doctors recommend to make sure you always scrub the
back of your hands and under your fingernails to ensure proper cleanliness. - Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Proper nutrition and a well balanced diet is also vital to good health. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as the nutrients will help nourish your body and improve your immune system. It is recommended to eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin E, which is contained in foods like sunflower seeds and nuts,
and vitamin C rich foods, such as oranges and broccoli. Try to reduce your intake of fatty junk food and concentrated sugar as it impairs the immune system’s response to infection. - Live a healthy lifestyle. This is key to fighting germs and sickness. By getting enough sleep and exercising frequently, your body’s immune system will strengthen which will lessen your risk of infection. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week and at least six to seven hours of sleep every night.
- Stay Hydrated. Drinking enough water will help keep your body healthy and strong. Dehydration can contribute to an easier chance of catching a cold and leads to symptoms such as cough and congestion.
- Avoid touching your face. Areas on your face like the nose, eyes, and mouth are easy targets for germs to enter your body and attack the immune system. As a general rule, try not to touch these areas of your face as your hands typically have germs on them that can lead to sickness. If it is necessary to touch these areas, make sure to properly clean your hands first.
Trojan Times 