11 Feb Helpful tips to avoid catching cold or flu

This is one of the worst cold and flu seasons many people in the U.S. can recall. Doctors have told me personally that in many instances the flu shot vaccine isn’t even helping.
There is no cure for colds and flu, so preventing it is the most important thing you can do.
Here are seven things you can do to help reduce your odds of catching a cold or flu:
1. Wash your hands often – Germs are all over the place, but proper hand-washing can greatly reduce how many will come in contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
2. Take vitamins and minerals – Boost your immune system with daily supplements.
3. Cover your sneezes and coughs properly – Don’t use your hands to cover sneezes and coughs as germs will spread everywhere. Use a tissue or if you must sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow.
4. Take vitamin C supplements – These also strengthen the immune system.
5. Get enough sleep – Make sure to get enough rest because when your sleep is reduced due to being overly busy or stressed, the immune system can be weakened.
6. Drink water and herbal tea – It’s important to stay properly hydrated year-round, but it’s even more important during flu season. Dehydration causes the majority of headaches and leads to congestion.
7. Exercise regularly – Exercise will boost the immune system by strengthening the cardiovascular and muscular systems.
Bonus tip: Take vitamins and supplements after eating to reduce chance of nausea.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before making any significant changes in your exercise routine or diet. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com