Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/634932
| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | February 2016 | 18 Health Matters Inland Empire Hospice soon to be… Question: What can I do to avoid getting sick in the winter? Every year, there are over 1 billion cases of the common cold, and 200,000 people hospitalized with flu complications. Of the cold and flu, a large percentage occurs in the late fall and winter months. 1. Wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands frequently is the 2nd-best way to prevent the flu. Use soap & warm water & wash for 15 to 20 seconds. 2. Stop touching your face. The easiest way to catch a cold is for the virus to enter your system through your nose, eyes and mouth. So avoid touching your face. 3. Sleep 7 to 8 hours each day. Not sleeping harms your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to sickness. 4. Relax. Like a lack of sleep, stress is another fast way to ensure you get sick. Instead of rushing from one place to another, make sure you save some time for yourself each day. 5. Use paper towels in public restrooms. A shockingly large percentage of Americans don't wash their hands after they use the restroom. Of those who do, many don't scrub well enough to keep the germs at bay. After washing your hands in a public restroom, use a paper towel to shut the sink off and to open the door to limit contact with any lingering bacteria. 6. Work out. Going to the gym might be the last thing you want to do when it's 25° F outside. But an Appalachian State University study found that people who exercised five or more days a week spent 43% fewer days without a cold. 7. Use a humidifier. Cold viruses thrive in dry environments, which are far more common during the winter. 8. Eat your vegetables. Eating 8 servings of brightly colored vegetables each day keeps your immune system in shape. 9. Drink more water. Most Americans are dehydrated all year long, but it's especially important to drink water in the winter. Drink 8 glasses of water a day to flush toxins out of your system. 10. Disinfect your house. The cold and flu virus can live on surfaces for over 2 hours, which is why. So disinfect your house frequently, paying special attention to door handles and knobs, kitchen counters and remote controls. For any questions or a needs assessment visit please contact Jennifer Trebler at (951) 663-1060.