As we are nearing the holiday season, it is essential to take preventative steps to avoid sickness. Being in the healthcare field, health and wellness is obviously very important, but it is easy to forget to take care of yourself when you are taking care of others. Don’t forget to practice what you preach, and remember these simple strategies to help boost your immune system.
Eat, Sleep, and Drink
“The most important things in terms of improving immunity are rest and good sleep”, said Dr. Ronald Stram, founder of the Center for Integrative Health and Healing in Delmar, N.Y. This is often one of the first things to go unplanned in our busy schedule, but it is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Individual needs vary, but typically most experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night.
There is definitely some truth to the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Another critical factor in boosting your immune system is a healthy diet. Remember a balanced diet includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Foods such as oranges, pineapple, and colorful peppers are packed with vitamin C, which help your body produce infection-fighting antibodies. A poor diet significantly increases the risk of developing an infection.
Last, but not least, don’t forget proper hydration! It takes half an ounce of non-caffeinated fluids for each pound of body weight daily to maintain proper hydration. It is also important to avoid heavily sweetened drinks because the added sugar has little nutritional value.
Manage Stress
Avoiding stress entirely is nearly impossible for most people, but learning to cope and deal with stress will greatly influence the impact of stress on your immune system. Regular exercise is one of the most common methods of managing stress. According to the American Heart Association, at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise will help reduce stress. Along with exercise, hobbies and spending time with friends/family will also help cope with stress, and improve overall well-being. Activities can be as small as taking time to enjoy beautiful scenery, or a relaxing bath, but these simple things will ultimately help improve health both physically and mentally.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with day-to-day activities, but you will not be able to help patients if you are not feeling well yourself. Make these simple suggestions a habit to ensure the best health possible over the next few months. Even though it seems so far away, the holidays are right around the corner, and it is best to be prepared in advance. Practice what you preach! A healthy lifestyle is a choice and something that takes effort, but you will be much happier and healthier when you are physically and emotionally well.
- Rachelle Brott, Aureus Medical Group Student Recruiter
Rachelle Brott joined Aureus Medical Group in November 2012. She works as a Student Recruiter, in the Rehabilitation Therapy division, helping Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Pathology professionals find rewarding careers after graduation. Rachelle obtained a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Bellevue University. She previously worked as a marketing director for West Omaha Chiropractic Sports & Injury Clinic. In her spare time, Rachelle enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, crafts, and spending time with family and friends.
(Source: EveryDayHealth.com)