Megan Foreman, MSN, RN, FNP-C

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s here – the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for parties, family gatherings, shopping, and enjoying holiday sights. It’s also the beginning of cold and flu season, and unfortunately, the two will meet. Extra holiday activities mean that you may become run down and, of course, there are all those germs floating around. To help keep your holidays merry and bright, we’d like to offer some tips to help you stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Staying As Healthy As You Can

You can’t completely eliminate your risk, but you can take proactive steps to protect your health. We recommend a variety of practices to help you stay healthy so you can enjoy the season.

Staying healthy starts with proper hygiene. To minimize your risk:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often: sneezing, coughing, and touching high-contact surfaces causes contact with a great deal of bacteria. To stay healthy, lather your hands, and wash them well. Silently singing the A-B-C song or Happy Birthday is about the right length of time.
• Avoid touching your face: germs on your hands can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Catch your cough: cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand.
• Sanitize shared items and spaces: regularly disinfect doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and countertops.

In addition to practicing good hygiene, a strong immune system is your best defense against illness. Support it by:

• Eating a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) and zinc (in nuts and seeds) are particularly important for immunity.
• Staying hydrated: drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out toxins and maintain optimal function.
• Getting enough sleep: aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body time to repair and strengthen.
• Exercising regularly: moderate physical activity improves circulation and helps immune cells travel through your body more effectively.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative measures can include:

• Getting vaccinated: an annual flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe illness. If eligible, consider other vaccines like the pneumonia vaccine.
• Take supplements if needed: If you’re unable to get enough vitamins and minerals through diet alone, consult with a healthcare provider about supplements like vitamin D or elderberry, which may support immune health.

An important and often overlooked preventive measure is stress management. Stress can weaken your immune system, so taking steps to manage it is crucial. You can benefit from:

• Meditation and mindfulness: even a few minutes a day can lower stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Staying connected: social interaction (even virtual) can reduce stress and boost your mood.
• Knowing when to rest: listen to your body, and don’t overexert yourself if you’re feeling run down.

Lyons Health & Wellness

Staying healthy during cold and flu season requires a combination of proactive measures and self-care. By practicing good hygiene, supporting your immune system, and taking preventive steps, you can reduce your risk of falling ill and enjoy a vibrant, healthy season.

Lyons Health & Wellness in Lyons, CO is available to help keep you healthy or treat an illness should one occur. Contact us for personalized care that meets your needs.