Fend off germs
Stay healthy during the winter season
JENNY HOLWEGER GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

It's cold and flu season, and those little varmint germs are waiting for you everywhere. With holidays just around the corner, more people are out and about. People are visiting friends and relatives, Christmas shopping, and soon, at Christmas programs and parties. The germs are very excited. So how do you keep from a bug catching up with you? There are some basic precautions you can take to help you have a healthy, happy winter.

Get your shot

If you haven't had a flu shot, get one; this one shot can help you avoid a whole lot of misery. Pharmacies and health clinics are offering the vaccines and encouraging everyone to stop in and get their flu shot. If shots are not your thing, you may be able to get the nasal spray that is available. If you have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Wash up

Handwashing is the most important health precaution to avoid illness. Viruses and bacteria are on many surfaces. When you enter a building, try to wash your hands. When you touch common surfaces such as tables, store displays, phones, pens and counters, wash your hands. When you use a tissues or a bathroom, wash your hands. When you wash, make sure you work the soap into lots of suds and rub for at least 20 seconds. If washing isn't feasible, use a hand sanitizer after touching surfaces.

Sleep

During hectic time, rest is one of the parts of the day that usually gets cut short. To avoid illness, your body needs to get enough rest to recharge itself.

Stay home

No one else wants your illness, so stay home and keep it to yourself. Although attendance at work and the Christmas season events are important, it is more important to rest and get well, as well as not spread whatever you have picked up. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate it if you just stay home.

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A regular routine, including exercise, helps keep your body strong and healthy. Shorter workouts, 30 to 45 minutes, of moderate duration can keep you in the swing of things, and may even bolster your immune system. Avoid long, high intensity workouts that may actually suppress your immune system, providing an opportunity for viruses to creep in.

Eat right

Even though the holiday season is busy and meals seem to get skipped in lieu of readily available sweet snacks, it is important you eat well. Keep in mind that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Healthy foods and well-balanced meals help your body stay strong and ward off the winter bugs.