Preventing the Cold and Flu

The flu can be painful, and a cold can be miserable. Both can lead to worse illnesses such as pneumonia. And a sickness at the wrong time can have repercussions that last far longer than the illness itself (think of getting sick and having to miss an important business meeting in another city, a first date with the woman of your dreams, or your child's school play).

But what most people don't realize about the common cold or influenza is that getting sick is 100% preventable. Bacteria and viruses don't originate inside of us, we let them in. The problem is, once they're there, they are hard to get rid of. They take time, and in a busy world, few have the time to lay in bed for days recuperating.

So, what do we do to stay healthy all the time? The answer is simple. First, keep germs from getting into your body, and second, strengthen your immune system so germs, if they do get in, won't stand a chance against you.

Staying healthy begins with a mindset; that your body is superior to any germ. The human body has two lines of defense. The immune system and good hygien. The fewer bacteria and viruses that enter your body means your immune system doesn't have to work overtime to kill germs. Keeping germs out is the first step to keeping you out of bed. Below are some of the surest, and easiest ways to stay healthy by keeping away from germs.

If someone you know (a friend, family member, or coworker) has the cold or flu, stay away from them. Think of them as ground zero for sickness. The closer you are to them, the more likely you'll receive their toxic fallout.

Your parents and teachers may have said to cover your nose when you sneeze, but this advice isn't doing you any favors. If you have a Kleenex, by all means, sneeze into the tissue and throw the tissue away. But if worst comes to worst and you find yourself with the urge to sneeze and with nothing to sneeze into besides your hands, simply turn your head and sneeze toward the ground, away from any people you may be near. This way no one gets the germs, not by sneezing into someone's face, and certainly not the ones left after sneezing into your hands.

Wash your hands often. Wash after you go to the bathroom, after you shake someone else's hand, after going to the store, or just for the heck of it. Germs spread from surface to surface, and can stay on your hands long after you've touched something contaminated. If you don't feel like you can get to soap and water to wash, carry a small bottle of instant hand sanitizer with you wherever you go, the kind you don't need water to use.

Even if you wash regularly, do your best to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and lips. Your body's facial openings are big doors with welcome signs hanging over them only bacteria and viruses can see. Allowing germs on your face is like giving your address out to criminals; doing either is senseless.

But germs will inevitably enter your body no matter how safe you try to be. When they do, a strong immune system will kill them long before they cause any trouble. Here is how to make sure that your immune system is up to the task:

First and foremost, drink a lot of water. 8 fluid ounces is a must, and 9 or 10 ounces a day is even better. Water flushes toxins from your body much as a river will erode the sediment in the streambed. Hydration is also important to keeping your body balanced and energized. When you can't drink water, drink orange juice. Vitamin C is a powerful weapon against germs, and a powerful ally to help the immune system.

Eating healthy is the number one way to keep your immune system strong. The best diet is a "kaleidescope diet." Eat as many different things as you can. Seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables (and not just one type of fruit or vegetable, but apples, pears, oranges, carrots, celery, lettuce), lean meats, fish, whole grains, 7-grains, 9-grains, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, and whatever else you can find in your local grocery store. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants. The natural vitamins in meat, dairy products, and whole grains are much more advantageous to the body than relying on vitamin supplements.

Don't be a pig when it comes to sweets and treats. Too much sugar will fill space better left for a balance of proteins, fats, and fiber. No one type of food is bad in and of itself, but too much of any one thing will keep your body from operating efficiently. You wouldn't want to eat only Cheerios for breakfast, lunch, and dinner anymore than you would want to eat only Skittles.

After you've eaten (or before) go for a run, a fast walk, or play basketball with your kids. Exercise is the cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle. Twenty or thirty minutes if daily exercise builds healthy muscle and a more efficient cardiovascular system. Both contribute to your immune system, not only physically, but also mentally as you begin to FEEL healthy.

Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. The sun makes us feel good and fresh air clears out our lungs and throats. This is even more important during the winter months when people are more susceptible to sickness.

Be happy. Since much of not getting sick is psychological, happier and more out going people are often less likely to feel "under the weather" than negative people and worriers.