Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool You — You can still get sick

As we crawl through the snow and ice out of one of the worst winters in recent memory, we want to say goodbye to colds and flus and and all the non-specific illnesses even our docs can’t identify.

It goes without saying, viruses are rampant in the winter. We are cooped up inside. Our houses are like habitable petri dishes, and a large portion of our take home pay is going toward Purell, Lysol and Kleenex. But, you are not out of the woods yet.

Spring is stressful with all the running around and intensifying of the schedules. It is even more depressing to be sick when the weather is beautiful. There are some simple things you can do to boost your immune system and be able to make the most out of the most hopeful season.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”  ~Robin Williams

Don’t miss out on the fun:

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. I mean it. Start today. Not only will they protect you from illness in the short term, they will help protect you from chronic illness in the long term.

2. Cut down on sugar. Don’t replace your sugar with artificial sweeteners. I don’t trust them (except in my Diet Coke, but that’s different because I’m addicted.)

3. Get some exercise. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Even twenty minutes a day will do you a world of good.

4. Drink more water. I don’t know of any studies supporting hydration as an immune booster, but it will make your skin and mucous membranes moister which will make them better barriers against infection. It will improve your digestion to keep things moving in the right direction.

5. Take steps to get stress under control. Make a plan. The spring will bring more stress.

– carpool with friends and neighbors
– say “No” if your social schedule is getting too hectic
– miss a few of your kids’ games
– find time to be alone, whether you are exercising or just sitting outside listening to a favorite playlist
– get organized