Keep your hands clean. Wash them all the time, especially if you have been out in public places. Door handles, knobs and other areas where lots of people are touching the same surface can be a breeding ground for who knows what. If you do have to touch these items remember not to touch your face until you have washed your hands. We touch our faces quite often without even noticing that we are doing it. This can put whatever is on your hands right into your body.
A good night's sleep will help keep your immune system functioning at top capacity and this is the best way to fight off the everyday attacks our bodies face from viruses and bacteria that we come in contact with. Sleeping well will help strengthen your immune system.
You must continue to get your daily exercise during the winter months and stay active. The days are shorter and it's easier to say no to your workout or walk, but exercise also strengthens your immune system. Getting the blood flowing by exercising aerobically moves the white blood cells around your body to fight off harmful germs and microbes.
Stress, stress, stress….I can never overemphasize the damage that stress does to your health. You must learn to let it go! Find ways to manage your stress or it will literally kill you in the long term. Stress is one of the biggest killers of the immune system as well, which is your main defense!
Eat healthy foods that organic and eat less of them. Our society today pushes eating all day long, every day. And it's just not good for you. There is no need for grazing. Your body needs time between meals to digest. I personally have been doing intermittent fasting for several months now and am very impressed with the results. Most days I eat once a day and fast for 22 hours before eating again. Two to three times a week I eat two meals, but always within a six hour window so that my body still has 18 hours of fasting each day to do all its processes and utilize the stored fat I have deposited over the years. But if that doesn't sound like something you want to try, just eat more real food and less processed food. That's one of the best things you can do for yourself.
And remember it's all about attitude! Every day is a new day, no matter what life may throw your way. Be here now and enjoy every moment. Take care of yourself and stay healthy this winter. Travel nurses and healthcare professionals may obviously be exposed to much more than the general public. We just want to remind you of a few general things you can do to help maintain your health. Safe travels!
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
