LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 5
1
DO’S AND DON’TS TO WARD OFF THE WINTER COLD DO’S
DON’TS
Do Work Out Regular exercise is a great secret to staying healthy but it actually helps to boost your immune system. Incorporate 15-30 minutes of exercise into your day to get maximal benefits. No time for the gym? Take a walk or dance to some music. The more the cardio, the better you feel.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands Washing your hands on a regular basis is the easiest way to prevent getting sick. Wash with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If water’s not available, use an alcohol-based substitute to kill viruses and bacteria until you can get to a sink.
Do Drink Milk Regular intake of calcium and Vitamin D can help prevent a cold. These vitamins not only strengthen your immune system, but they are easy to get a hold of as well.
Don’t Smoke This goes without saying; quitting tobacco may be one of the most difficult things you can do, but it is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Talk to your doctor about tools you can use to quit.
Do Drink Water Drinking water regularly is an easy, inexpensive way of keeping your body hydrated and your skin intact. Your skin and linings of your respiratory tract are your body’s first and largest defense against bacteria and viruses.
Don’t Deprive Yourself of Sleep Sleep plays a vital role in good health and avoiding the cold. Getting eight hours of sleep on a regular basis is important and can help protect your physical and mental health. Staying up late and waking up early doesn’t allow for your body to get the rest it needs to fight off germs.
Do Have Fun Of course, stressing out is one of the best ways to weaken your immune system. Stress increases your body’s cortisol level, a hormone to help you handle stress. Laugh and play with friends and have lots of fun. Laughter reduces stress, and the less stress you
Don't Sneeze Into Your Hands Generations of parents and teachers have told children to cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough. The rule still applies, but aim for your elbows or sleeves. Your hands touch everything all day, including your own face.
have, the more effectively your immune system functions. Don’t Drink Alcohol When you have the cold or flu, alcohol can dehydrate you. Increase your intake of hot teas, water and juices when you’re sick.
Try these doctor-approved Common Cold Essentials to fight off the common cold:
Source: Dr. Jennifer Collins, a New York-based physician specializing in allergy, asthma and immunology.
1. Halo Sani-Cuffs are comfortable, stylish, and collectible germ-fighting wristbands that dispense hand sanitizer at the push of a button. Refillable with any liquid hand sanitizer. www.armorteria.com
2
3
2. Cold-EEZE Cold Remedy is a homeopathic cold remedy clinically proven to shorten the duration of a cold by almost half. Its main ingredient, zinc gluconate, relieves symptoms including cough, runny nose and hoarseness, and is linked to boosting the immune system and decreasing viral activity. www.coldeeze.com 3. USANA’s Booster C 600 is a delicious lemon-berry flavored drink booster that gives your immune system the support it needs. Formulated with zinc, elderberry, high-quality echinacea, and USANA’s proprietary Poly C Vitamin C blend, you can add this powder to your drink or take it like Pixy Stix to avoid the common cold. www.usana.com
AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 11
s
WWW.AZSAL.COM