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Strengthen
your Body’s Defense
The beginning of fall signifies
cooler weather patterns and anticipation of the cold
and flu season. During this time of year most people
are in search of the flu vaccine to avoid becoming
sick and incapacitated. While vaccination is a good
thing, it is also important for everyone to pay
close attention to building their immune systems and
strengthening their body’s natural defenses.
The Immune system is
made up of a sophisticated network of cells and body
organs that work to recognize and attack foreign
invaders before they have an opportunity to make you
ill. In addition to getting vaccinated against the
flu with the flu shot, boosting your body’s immune
function is also a good way to ensure you will fly
through the fall and winter unscathed by this
seasonal predator.
In preparation for the time of
year when most people will become ill we at HomeCare
Options would like to offer you suggestion for
strengthening your body’s defense.
Get Enough Sleep: Sleep
is not a passive action. It is an essential process
by which your body has the opportunity to rejuvenate
and repair itself. It is recommended that the
average adult get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Receiving the suggested amount of sleep is a vital
component of health promotion and disease
prevention.
Eat Well: Eating a diet
rich in fruits and vegetables will provide essential
vitamins, minerals and antioxidant that are
important for good health. Also add probiotics to
your diet such as the ones found in yogurt.
Probiotics are good bacteria and they help
strengthen the body’s defenses by suppressing the
growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
Manage Stress:
Stress is your body's physical and psychological
response to anything you perceive challenging.
Although stress is a normal part of life, excessive
or unmanaged stress creates negative energy that can
deplete your body leaving it vulnerable to illness
and disease. Managing stress through preparedness,
organization and positive coping mechanisms will
protect your body’s immune function from strain
which can render it weakened.
Visit the websites below for
more information, tips and strategies on boosting
your immune system.
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/sleep/how_much_sleep.htm
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/aoxcansum.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001201-d001300/d001245/d001245.html
http://www.webmd.com/video/boost-your-immune-system
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