Almost every winter we are told that it’s flu season. Never, in all my years, have I seen sickness so wide spread. This season it’s been everything from the flu, phenomena, strep throat, fever, chills, non- stop coughing, to a common cold. It seems everyone knows someone that is or has been sick. It also seems that this season the sicknesses linger. Covid changed a lot of things. People became overly cautious about washing their hands and not coming in contact with germs. I do understand why, but contrary to that, we need exposure to germs, as that is how we build antibodies. I can’t help but wonder if that is why we are experiencing one of the worst flu seasons I have ever seen.
What can we do to stay healthy? First and foremost, as a fitness instructor, I will say that exercise is a great start. Exercise is important for many reasons. We know it keeps us from becoming obese. We know it keeps our heart healthy. We know it reduces stress and helps keep us in a positive mood. What exercise also does is that it improves your immune system and helps your body fight bacteria and viruses. A lot of people get the flu shot, but in addition, below are some helpful things you can do if you don’t want to spend next winter curled up with a box of tissues.
If you or a child have a fever or flu symptoms, don’t go to school or work. Once the fever is gone, stay home and rest for at least another 24 hours before returning to your regular schedule. When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. Frequently wash your hands, using soap and water, not just water. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work and school. As I mentioned above, exercise also aids in staying healthy, but there are other healthy habits you should be practicing. My suggestions include getting plenty of sleep, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, eating nutritious food, and adding vitamins like Vitamin C, Zinc, and elderberry, to your daily routine. You can also add a few drops of tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus oils to a cotton ball and rub on your chest and/or temples. You can also use these in a diffuser at home or in the workplace. Herbal teas are also helpful when it comes to trying to avoid contracting the flu. Drink tea with ginger, lemon or rosemary, especially when you are fighting an infection. Adding honey gives some additional benefits. Honey is also great for sore throats and coughs.
Another natural remedy, my mom and grandmother taught me about years ago is to gargle with hot water and salt. I have said, in many articles, that salt is a healer. This remedy works 100% of the time. When you have a sore throat, nothing works quicker than gargling with warm/hot water and salt. Taking a hot steam or bath can also be beneficial. These natural remedies won’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but they will certainly help reduce symptoms, and/or boost your immune system. I will say they should, by no means, be considered a substitute for medical advice.
I will now circle back to exercise. Taking care of your body should be a priority. Our bodies are meant to move, and moving them keeps us healthy. When you exercise, it helps to build a strong immune system. You don’t have to be in the gym seven days a week. Moderate exercise will help build a strong immune system. Moderate exercise includes walking, swimming, biking, dancing, and even light weights for strength training. You actually don’t even have to go to a gym. You can move your body just about anywhere. While sitting in a chair, you can do heel raises, squeezing your calf muscle. You can stand in front of the chair and do chair squats. You can do wall pushups. If you have stairs, walk up and down the stairs. Carry something while you walk the stairs, so it adds some strength training. Do crunches and pushups on your living room floor. Again, it’s about moving.
We can all set aside a minimum of 30 minutes a day to move our bodies. Go for a walk. If it’s nice out, get out and enjoy the weather. If it’s raining, go to the mall and walk around each floor. There is no excuse for not moving. It might be inevitable that we get sick, but I am sure I’m going to fight it every step of the way. Exercise is my medicine. Let it be yours too.
Quotes:
“The six best doctors are sunshine, water, rest, air, diet and exercise”
“Exercise is like a legal drug that helps you feel good and can add years to your life”
