Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/99568
Immunizations Have you had all your shots? The most underimmunized group in America is women aged 30–55. Check with your physician to make sure you are up-to-date on everything from influenza to tetanus. Fluids and More Fluids Staying well hydrated clearly benefits our skin, the largest organ of our immune system. The advice to stay adequately hydrated is even more important in the cold, dry months of winter. Eat Your Vitamins A balanced diet, which includes all food groups, gives your immune system the resources it needs when it faces a challenge like the flu. Eight Hours of Sleep With the demands of life, making time for eight hours of sleep every night often seems difficult. However, research continues to prove how vital this is to every part of our well-being. It affects everything from our ability to resist illness to managing weight. 10 Body Sense % seconds) and the amount of friction you use, not the water temperature. In fact, warm water is better than hot, as hot water dries the skin, leaving more microscopic openings on its surface. In cases where hand washing is not practical, keep hand sanitizer available. Alcoholbased hand sanitizers can also contribute to drying of the skin, so be diligent about moisturizing. Start paying attention to how frequently you touch your face. Break the habit, and you could reduce your risk of colds and flu this season by more than 50 percent. Hands and Face It is important to keep your hands away from your face—particularly the eyes, mouth, and nose, which are favorite points of entry for viruses. Start paying attention to how frequently you touch your face. Break the habit, and you could reduce your risk of colds and flu this season by more than 50 percent. Proper Disinfection When cleaning your home during cold and flu season, consider cleaning items you might not normally bother with, such as doorknobs and the telephone. When used properly, disinfectants are very effective, and a few extra minutes might mean the difference between a week S in bed and a healthy winter. B Leslie Roste has degrees in nursing and microbiology and is employed by King Research in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She speaks to various industry groups throughout the country and also works with textbook manufacturers as an editor for infection control material. Contact her at lroste@king-research.com.