(BPT) – Holiday travel, endless parties and hours waiting in long shopping lines can take a toll on your health. As the season ramps up, it’s a great time to take some steps to support your immune system for extra protection. These common-sense health tips can go a long way toward keeping yourself healthy this holiday season.
Wash (and watch) your hands
Something as simple as hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Hands — especially when they are used to muffle a sneeze or a cough — can spread germs to people and things.
A good wash requires at least twenty seconds of vigorous rubbing, using soap and warm water. If you can’t get to a sink, a backup is hand sanitizer with alcohol in it. It’s also best to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Emphasize healthy habits
Drink plenty of water and get your sleep and exercise. Studies show that all of these activities help prevent our bodies from getting run down. And when you’re run down, you are more susceptible to illness. Make time to:
- Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of fluid — preferably water — daily.
- Getting enough sleep is crucial to a healthy body and immune system. For most adults, eight hours of sleep is considered the norm. You’ll need all the rest you can get in between ugly sweater parties.
- Exercise regularly. Pop into that new spin studio, stream a yoga workout from your living room or take a brisk walk. Research shows a link between moderate, regular exercise and a strong immune system.
Add supplements to your routine
For an extra level of protection year-round, supplement your diet with a personalized vitamin regimen.
“Most people don’t eat right 100 percent of the time, which makes it hard to get the nutrition they need. Supplementation can help you fill those nutrient gaps,” said Kerry Grann, principal research scientist, Amway Research & Development.
Nutrilite developed individual MyPack supplement packets to provide the optimal blend of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They offer a personalized, simple and convenient experience to help you fill nutrient gaps with men’s and women’s packs or address specific needs, such as immunity, focus and energy. The Immunity Pack is especially helpful this time of year.
Use these tips to help you stay healthy this season so you can enjoy the holidays — and try making it a New Year’s resolution to keep these healthy habits all year.