About one billion colds hit Americans each year between the months of October through March.
Because the common cold can run you down for weeks, why not try these simple steps to reduce your chance of catching one:
Touch "less." Keep your hands off of germ-infested surfaces and off of your face as much as possible.
Direct contact with sick people is the number one way germs are transmitted. Eighty percent of colds are spread by direct contact.
Indirect contact, such as handling a doorknob which a sick person has touched, then spreading it to your face by touching your mouth, nose or eyes, is the other way germs are transmitted.
Regular Handwashing. Proper handwashing is especially important during the cold and flu season.
Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. After washing, use a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door on the way out.
Stress "less." Stress can weaken the immune system. Leave stress behind and clear your mind, whether it is at work, school, or home, and incorporate some peace into your day. Whenever possible, sit back , relax, and take a few deep breaths to de-stress.
Fluids. Drinking water should be part of your daily routine, but it is very important during the cold and flu season. Liquids help keep you healthy and hydrated.
Hot tea is great to drink during cold and flu seaon. Peppermint flavor teas clear nasal congestion and open up your airways.
Hot soup also warms the heart and soul and provides a lot of nutrients in just one bowl. Soup is also a great place to get a full serving of phytochemical-rich root vegetables and protein-rich meats or beans.
Supplements. Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea play a vital role in bolstering the immune system during cold season.
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that has been shown to shorten the duration of colds. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. Echinacea is an herb that has been used for centuries to bolster the immune system.
Exercise. Exercising daily and maintaining a healthy body weight can help fight infections. Walking just 30 minutes every day can get you on your way to a healthier you!
Nutrition. Getting the right nutrition can fuel your body and keep your health in check. Eating lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy whole grains, low-fat dairy products, legumes, and lean meats gives your body every food source it needs to maintain a healthy immune system. Fruits and vegetables also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, which should be an integral part of your infection-fighting diet.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to
greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com. For more information on "Household Cleaning Products and Breast Cancer", please watch our video at www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.
