It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and also the worst when it comes to staying healthy.
With cold and flu season firmly upon us, and busy calendars filled with holiday parties and travel plans, for many of us, it feels like it’s just a matter of time before we get sick. According to Toronto Public Health, there have been more influenza cases this year than last year and experts estimate that 10 to 20 per cent of us will come into contact with it.
But just because it seems like the odds are against you, doesn’t mean you can’t beat them. There are plenty of things you can do to ensure you stay in the healthy 80 per cent.
Thanks to COLD-FX, we had the chance to chat with nurse practitioner Candice Sockett. She gave us the lowdown on how busy young professionals can boost their immunity so they don’t miss a single soirée this season.
1. Get the flu shot.
If you haven’t seen your doctor in a while, now’s the time to give them a call. If you’ve ever wondered why you need to get the flu shot every year, it’s because the vaccine changes from year to year depending on what strains are predicted to be going around. It’s not 100% effective, but as Candice says, it’s “something to put in your tool box” to help you fight off the germs.
2. Wash your hands (properly).
A quick rinse won’t cut it. To really make sure your hands are as clean as can be, you need to work up a good lather and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. If you’re not sure if you’re washing long enough, Candice suggests singing the alphabet or “Happy Birthday” to help you keep track of the time.
3. Practice self-care.
While you might think that it’s the cold weather that leaves you more susceptible to illness, Candice says that’s actually not the case. Cold and flu season tends to be a busy time for a lot of us. From visiting family, to attending holiday events, to wrapping up work projects, all these extra activities can lead to stress, and stress leads to sick days. To prevent yourself from getting too rundown, make sure that you’re getting enough sleep and exercise, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables.
4. Arm yourself with supplements.
Let’s face it: sometimes it can be hard to lead a balanced life and do everything you’re supposed to do in tip #3. When those crazy weeks hit, supplements like COLD-FX are an “easy and convenient way to help boost your immune system in the fight against cold and flu viruses”. COLD-FX works by increasing the natural killer cells and T-helper cells (i.e. soldiers of your immune system) and studies have shown that it can help reduce the amount of overall colds you get, the severity and the length of the cold itself.
So this season, make cold and flu-related #FOMO a thing of the past. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have a happy (and healthy) holiday season. Plus, you can save on COLD-FX with this coupon.
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