Protecting Yourself from the Swine Flu!
If you’re like me you are paying a little more attention to the news these days in order to keep up with the latest Swine Flu information. Having small kids I am understandably concerned. This thing is either going to disappear in a few weeks or turn into a pandemic…the latter seeming most likely.
As a society we have two choices. We can either become hermits and never leave the house, or we can take steps to protect ourselves. I refuse to be a prisoner in my home so my plan is to take the necessary steps to bolster mine and my family’s immune systems and maintain good hygiene.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is important at all times but especially when we are faced with a pandemic like swine flu. Here are a few facts about your immune system:
The job of your immune system is to protect your body from bacterial and viral infections such as colds and influenza. The immune system protects you in three different ways:
1. It creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering your body.
2. If a bacteria or virus does get into the body, the immune system tries to detect and eliminate it before it can make itself at home and reproduce.
3. If the virus or bacteria is able to reproduce and start causing problems, your immune system is in charge of eliminating it.
With your immune system playing such an important role, the last thing you want is for it to become compromised. Here are some suggestions on how to strengthen your immune system and lower your chances of becoming infected:
1. Get plenty of sleep-Experts suggest a minimum of 7 hours a night.
2. Proper nutrition-Be sure you are getting plenty nutrients such a vitamins, minerals, proteins, and quality carbs. Eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and lean protein. This keeps the body strong and properly fueled
3. Take a quality multi-vitamin if you aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables…and most of us aren’t.
4. Reduce stress levels- Those who are under chronic stress have been shown to have lower than normal white blood cell counts. It is not always possible to reduce the amount of stress in our lives. For those who cannot, vitamin supplementation and an immune system aid are the best way to go.
5. Exercise-Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, help you sleep, and strengthen the immune system. Sounds like the perfect formula, huh? Let’s get moving!
A strong immune system is great but not a guarantee that you will not get Swine Flu or any other illness. Additional steps need to be taken to help prevent infection.
Below are a few suggestions on how to lessen your chances of catching this flu:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated
• Do not come into contact with anyone who is sick
While there is no way to avoid the Swine Flu, if you take the above steps to heart, put them into practice, and work on strengthening your immune system you will drastically decrease your chance of catching this nasty flu.
For more information on this Swine Flu and how to protect yourself, visit the CDC website by clicking the link below:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
A quick aside:
One of the “germiest” places on earth is a gym. At a gym people are sweating all over the equipment and most gyms don’t clean their equipment on a regular basis. Not only is it gross, it’s also a great way to catch an illness.
That is one of the reasons I love Boot Camp. We are exercising outdoors (not in a confined space) and we rarely share equipment (no sweat exchange). Everyone has their own weights, there own mats, and we are breathing the fresh air. What a welcomed difference!
That’s all for now! Check back soon for more great health and fitness information!!
Jason
