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The advent of autumn brings pleasant weather, college football and cozy sweaters. However, the season also brings the possibility of catching a cold or the flu with it. Don’t let the sneaky transition into cooler weather leave you or your loved one with a compromised immune system.
Follow these tips to stay healthy so you won’t miss a minute of everything fall has to offer.
Simple tips to stay healthy during cooler seasons
Cut down on processed food.
During the enrichment and refinement process, packaged foods lose important nutrients, some which are then artificially added back in, reports R. Morgan Griffin on WebMD. This procedure leaves processed foods filled with artificial chemicals and a significantly reduced amount of nutrients. As the weather cools down, stick to whole fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with vitamins and minerals vital to staying healthy.
Stay stress-free.
When our bodies are put under excessive stress, they aren’t able to function at 100%. The energy expended handling stress compromises our ability to get enough sleep and effectively fight viruses. Do Take part in relaxing activities and encourage your loved one to do the same, like doing yoga, reading a book, getting a massage and listening to music. If you find caregiving is taking a toll on you, consider respite to let yourself relax.
Maintain proper hydration.
Although drinking plenty of water can't flush out viruses, it can prevent them from attacking. Real Simple reports that “staying well hydrated keeps the tissues of the respiratory system moist and helps the immune system work properly.” The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking between two and three liters per day to stay fully hydrated.
Get enough sleep.
People who get less than seven hours of sleep per night are three times as likely to get sick than people who sleep eight hours or more, reports U.S. News. Sleep allows our bodies to replenish energy and rejuvenate itself. Sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep hinders this process keeping our bodies from recovering and preparing for the next day. Try to fit in at least eight hours per night to help keep your immune system from slowing and becoming susceptible to cold and flu germs. If your aging loved one is having trouble getting some shuteye, here are tips for helping seniors sleep at night.
Don’t forget the old standbys.
You’ve probably received much of the same advice year after year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. As the weather cools down and cold and flu season ramps up, remember to wash your hands and sanitize frequently, dress appropriately for the weather, and get plenty of vitamin C, which can be found in foods such as oranges, strawberries and bell peppers.