Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year and my personal favorite. The colorful leaves are akin to God's own artist's palette, and the crisp air is rejuvenating. Christmas shopping commences, out come the snuggly sweaters and in comes the firewood. Unfortunately, cold and flu season is thrust upon us at this time as well, but there are simple ways to boost your immune system and preserve your health through the change in weather and the approaching flu season.
There is little more important than thorough hand washing to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. Lather your hands with soap completely for at least 20 seconds including the backs of hands, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Rinse with warm water and air dry.
Drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep are absolute necessities, but many people neglect these basic components of human survival. At least seven or eight hours of sleep is best for the average person after a day of work and home activities. Most people need 72 ounces of water each day or 9 eight ounce glasses or bottles. If that is more water than you think you can drink each day, try substituting green tea to satisfy part of your daily water requirement. Whether you drink it hot or cold, green tea contains powerful antioxidants. check out WebMD for results of an extensive study conducted on the health benefits of green tea.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea
Exercise is another vital part of a healthy lifestyle that will help you fight off flu and cold bugs. A daily brisk walk of about two miles should take approximately 30 minutes, and what a great, and inexpensive, way to start the day. If you are not the outdoorsy type, you can always use a treadmill with television or iPod to pass the time, or invest in a Wii Fit which could provide hours of fun for the whole family.
Fall is a wonderful time to include seasonal fruits and vegetables in your meals. Fall fruits include apples, pears, cherries, cranberries, plums, grapes, pomegranates and passion fruit, all of which can be used to make scrumptious salads. Check out this website for more fruit salad recipes than you can imagine.
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/salad/fruit-salads/
Some of the tastiest fall vegetables include squash, broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach and sweet potatoes. A hearty vegetable soup or stew can be a perfect evening meal as well as one that is both healthy and inexpensive. Take a look at this website for some delicious soup and stew recipes.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/soup_and_stew/
Fall is also a great time to tackle that list of classic books or novels you have always wanted to read. You might even consider organizing a book club. Sitting in front of a roaring fire with a steaming cup of green tea engrossed in thought provoking literature might be a welcome respite from mindless television viewing. Keeping your mind healthy can be almost as important as keeping your body healthy.
So get ready for combat against the flu, colds and other viruses this fall with healthy food, exercise, plenty of water and adequate sleep. Watch for next week's blog on simple home remedies to help prevent fall and winter sickness.
There is little more important than thorough hand washing to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs. Lather your hands with soap completely for at least 20 seconds including the backs of hands, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Rinse with warm water and air dry.
Drinking enough water and getting adequate sleep are absolute necessities, but many people neglect these basic components of human survival. At least seven or eight hours of sleep is best for the average person after a day of work and home activities. Most people need 72 ounces of water each day or 9 eight ounce glasses or bottles. If that is more water than you think you can drink each day, try substituting green tea to satisfy part of your daily water requirement. Whether you drink it hot or cold, green tea contains powerful antioxidants. check out WebMD for results of an extensive study conducted on the health benefits of green tea.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea
Exercise is another vital part of a healthy lifestyle that will help you fight off flu and cold bugs. A daily brisk walk of about two miles should take approximately 30 minutes, and what a great, and inexpensive, way to start the day. If you are not the outdoorsy type, you can always use a treadmill with television or iPod to pass the time, or invest in a Wii Fit which could provide hours of fun for the whole family.
Fall is a wonderful time to include seasonal fruits and vegetables in your meals. Fall fruits include apples, pears, cherries, cranberries, plums, grapes, pomegranates and passion fruit, all of which can be used to make scrumptious salads. Check out this website for more fruit salad recipes than you can imagine.
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/salad/fruit-salads/
Some of the tastiest fall vegetables include squash, broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach and sweet potatoes. A hearty vegetable soup or stew can be a perfect evening meal as well as one that is both healthy and inexpensive. Take a look at this website for some delicious soup and stew recipes.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/soup_and_stew/
Fall is also a great time to tackle that list of classic books or novels you have always wanted to read. You might even consider organizing a book club. Sitting in front of a roaring fire with a steaming cup of green tea engrossed in thought provoking literature might be a welcome respite from mindless television viewing. Keeping your mind healthy can be almost as important as keeping your body healthy.
So get ready for combat against the flu, colds and other viruses this fall with healthy food, exercise, plenty of water and adequate sleep. Watch for next week's blog on simple home remedies to help prevent fall and winter sickness.
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