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Women in Field

Boost Your Immune System!

Flu season is around the corner. Are you ready to take it on? These simple lifestyle changes can help boost your body’s natural defenses!

Get Moving

Mother and Daughters Running on the Beach

The body is naturally designed to move, so get to it! Exercising helps you maintain a healthy weight and supports your heart health. Being active decreases stress hormones so your mind and body are in balance. Regular exercise boosts the cells in your immune system, so your body can fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Exercise also provides a natural way to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other conditions. So get to your yoga class, take a stroll with your pet, or fly a kite… it all counts as exercise as long as you keep moving!

Catch Some Zzz’s

Man Sleeping

Don’t yawn now! Being anxious, stressed out, and not getting enough sleep can make you sick. Your immune system is suppressed when cortisol (a hormone) is produced at a high rate. Sleep can fix that! If you’re having a problem sleeping, try a common remedy such as a warm bath, caffeine-free tea, or surround yourself with the scent of lavender. Lowering your risk of getting sick this season is as easy as getting enough sleep, so close your eyes and dream on.

Live a Little

Woman with Her Daughter

A happy body is the home to a happy mind. Studies show that there is a strong connection between your emotional state and your immune system. Spending time with your loved ones or sharing a laugh with friends can actually help you fight off illnesses. Do what makes you happy from the inside so you can support feeling good from the outside.

It’s all About the Gut

Woman Forming a Heart with Her Hands on Her Belly

Your digestive system is your body’s vitamin and nutrient factory. Fuel that factory with superfoods such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are naturally loaded with Vitamin C, and foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut) can help balance bacteria for a healthy digestive tract. Remember that food is a powerful tool: give your body what it needs to help fight seasonal illnesses.

Beat Illnesses to the Punch

Red Boxing Gloves

Knock out your chances of getting sick. Start by getting your annual physical to help keep your overall health on track. Beat illnesses to the punch and see your primary care provider for preventative care such as immunizations, screenings, and tests.

A healthy life can boost your immune system. From your diet to your thoughts, it’s all connected. Make yourself feel good from the inside out and your immune system will follow!

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Girl Sneezing

Flu or Pneumonia? Spot the Difference

You may feel pretty awful when you are sick – but taking a closer look at your symptoms may help you figure out whether you’ve got the flu or a case of pneumonia. The flu is a contagious respiratory (nose, throat, lungs) illness caused by the flu virus.

On the other hand, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. According to the CDC, it is the leading infectious cause of death in children under 5 years old around the world.

Do you have chills and a fever? Make note of your symptoms and share what you’re feeling with your doctor. It may keep you from having serious complications. Better yet, learn how you can prevent a case of the flu or pneumonia this season!

Symptoms Chart

Beating Both Through Prevention

Doctor vaccinating senior woman

When the flu season comes around, the number of people getting pneumonia is also at its peak.

Here’s what you can do to prevent getting the flu or pneumonia:
 

  • Get your annual flu shot

  • Wash your hands regularly

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm (not your hands!) or use a tissue

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands

  • Wipe down door knobs and other areas you touch frequently at home and work

Give it a Shot

Flu shots can help protect you and loved ones as the first line of defense against the flu virus. AltaMed is offering flu shots at no cost to you or your family, no appointment necessary. Go to your nearest AltaMed medical office to get your flu shot.

Boost Your Immune System!