November 4, 2018: Colds
My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.
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American adults are likely to catch the common cold between one and four times a year, while children can be expected to contract the same virus up to 10 times per year. The fatigue, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing is annoying and can last up to a week! If there were something you could do to shorten the duration as much as possible, would you? This week we’re going to talk about how to shorten the duration of a cold before we get to cold season.
Though there’s no magic pill or vitamin you can take to stop a cold in its tracks, here are some tips to ensure you’re in fighting shape the next time this annoying cycle of colds comes to your community.
Exercise often. Exercise builds up the immune system, allowing you to fight off a cold more effectively.
Eat right. A balanced nutrition program ensures your body is getting the nutrients it needs to keep it healthy and your immune system in top shape.
Sleep. Getting adequate sleep is something that most of us have trouble with. The truth is that if your body is fatigued before you are exposed to the cold virus, it is much more likely that the virus will have the ability to take hold and get you down for a longer duration than if you are well-rested.
Stay hydrated. Just as a lack of proper nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, a dehydrated body is just as likely to contract a more powerful virus.
When it comes to exercising while sick, there are times it can help you tremendously and times it can make things worse. If you have a head cold only, exercise will help you feel better and clear out. If you have a chest cold or a rattling cough, avoid exercise.
If your overall health is good, then you’ll be more likely to be able to shorten the length of your illness - if not avoid it all together!
Next Sunday, we’ll talk about soothing sore muscles.
Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!
I hope you have a wonderful week,
Kelly
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.
Tsirona - www.tsirona.com
My weekly GYSTS email give you one actionable thing to do for the week that will make you life a little easier. As "they" say, "Fail to plan; plan to fail." Get these emails (and more!) delivered right to your inbox by clicking HERE.