Fall is the season for new wardrobes, crisp weather, changing leaves… and the flu. Though it is nearly impossible to completely protect yourself from germs and bacteria”lest you pull a Howard Hughes and hole yourself up completely until the spring thaw”there are preventative measures you can take to arm yourself with the best possible defence. Follow these 6 tips and stay in good health this fall.
Beauty Rest
Getting enough sleep is crucial to staying healthy. Late nights and early mornings wear down your resistance to fighting off germs and bacteria. Just getting your full 8 hours will do wonders for your overall health, so tear yourself away from your desk and slip beneath the covers for a good night’s sleep.
Pack a Lunch
Buying pre-made food on your lunch break is less time consuming than bringing food from home, but much harder on your wallet… and immune system. Even the healthiest take-out can’t compare to fresh food made from home. You know exactly what’s in it and can vary your lunch to ensure a balanced diet rich with germ fighting nutrients.
Supplements
Apart from the flu vaccine there are really no medicines to prevent the cold or flu, and once you get sick there isn’t a cure all method. All you can do is treat the symptoms (aches, runny nose, etc.) as best you can and ride it out. Therefore, Vitamin C and Echinacea should be your two best friends this fall. Take these supplements regularly during cold and flu season and you may give your immune system the boost it needs to fend off germs.
Sick Days
The powers that be created sick days to be used when you’re sick. Don’t be a hero. Stay home when you’re too sick to go to work. Not going into work not only gives you the chance to rest and let your body fight off the illness, but it also keeps you from spreading your germs to co-workers, thus making your workplace a healthier environment. After all, the water cooler is to share stories, not germs.
Do Not Touch
Keep a box of disinfectant wipes in your cubicle or office. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching anything on public transit all together. With the end of summer, people are back to work full-time and can really pack themselves onto the subway, getting all up in your personal space. Keep in mind germs are not only found on public surfaces, but are also airborne. Before someone coughs in your face on the subway (yuck!) you might want to arm yourself with a mask. Health before beauty!
Bundle Up
Though it’s germs, not cold weather, that causes illness, it is still important to dress appropriately for fall. Being cold and wet can weaken your immune system leaving you vulnerable to those pesky germs. Wear a coat and a scarf if it’s really cold and try to keep your feet dry. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to splurge on that beautiful pea coat or luxurious Hunter boots.
Comments