Saturday, November 20, 2010

Show That Flu Who’s Boss!


The flu sucks. There, I’ve gone and said it; plain and simple. It makes you feel gross, look gross and keeps you in bed all day. Usually I’d be looking for any excuse to cuddle up with my favorite movie and relapse into a diet of soup and saltines, but not when it’s for weeks on end and makes you feel just plain shoddy.
It’s no fun having to constantly worry about keeping yourself in check and healthy, so here are some simple and easy ways to integrate healthy actions into your daily life.

1. Wash your hands. Yes, I do sound like I’m your second grade teacher, but seriously. Just think about everything you touch throughout the day and how many germs are just lurking on your hands. Stick a little bottle of Purell on your key chain or in your handbag and you’re good to go!

2. Drink Water. Obviously water is key to staying healthy, but most of us don’t drink nearly enough as we should. Dehydration gives you body aches and headaches, so stay on top of it. Plus, water is phenomenal on its own for its bajillion health benefits. I mean, while preventing the flu you could be losing weight and improving your skin, among other things.

3. Vitamin C. If you don’t chug gallons of grapefruit juice, consider easy ways to slip some Vitamin C into your diet. My favorite way is to juice half of a lemon or lime (tip: microwave it – not kidding – or roll it around before you slice it up, it makes it juicier) and put it into a glass of ice water.

4. Sleep! As if I need another excuse to wake up at 2pm on a Sunday… A body that’s fatigued is significantly more susceptible to becoming ill than one who’s gotten lots of rest. Make sure you slip in those cat-naps between classes and go to bed early every once in a while, it all adds up.

5. Chill out on the alcohol and coffee. Caffeine is a major factor in dehydration. For every cup of coffee, make sure you consciously drink extra water, otherwise you’re just upping your chances of getting sick. As for alcohol it it is also a dehydrating agent. Stay away from these two drinks if you’re trying to keep your head above water.

6. Get a flu shot. I’m not a fan of needles at all, but my ten minutes of freaking out before is certainly worth the days and weeks of possibly getting sick down the road. Many pharmacies offer them cheaply.

Just remember that doing little things throughout the day can help you stay healthy. Though some of these points may sound like common sense, they’re actions we often neglect to take. Paying a little more attention now could spare you weeks of discomfort and miserable social life in weeks to come.

15 comments:

  1. i follow you every day,,nice posts..:))

    ReplyDelete
  2. I generally agree with all of your recommendations short of the final one; concerning getting a flu shot. With this I really feel every person is different. I have never had the flu, accept once. That one time was the one time I ever GOT a flu shot. Therefore I think this one is really up for negotiation. Everything else is good though.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous7:11 AM

    I feel you on the awfulness of the flu. Good tips!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with most of it, except the flu shots. They have always made me sick.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:37 AM

    I would also like to add in addition to washing hands and sleeping well, you could try getting more sun, so your body absorbs Vitamin D. Good advice nevertheless.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There tips are indeed useful! thanks for them, im gonna do it from now on.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous11:50 AM

    your post today is amaizing! i like it!
    supportin & follouing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. haha cool pic dude

    ReplyDelete
  9. nice info, i hate getting the flu, it makes me wanna lay in bed and do nothing =\

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous5:37 PM

    Great tips to staying healthy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. amazing stuff, dude

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good advice!

    I don't agree with the flu shot, though.

    ReplyDelete
  13. heheh nice pic!, thanks for the info!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous11:55 PM

    i cannot live without coffee though

    ReplyDelete