Every pharmacy you pass these days has a sign reminding you to get your flu shot now. Well, flu season is almost here – it normally occurs from late November through March.
Unfortunately, the flu is a contagious virus. And flu germs can thrive on any surface for two hours or more. So, germs can be lurking on a door knob, an elevator button, the toys at the daycare, or the office coffee pot – just waiting for you to touch the contaminated object and infect yourself with the virus.
But there are some things you can do to guard against the flu and reduce your risk of getting sick.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you get a flu shot as your best protection against the virus.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 to 20 seconds several times a day. To ensure you’re washing your hands long enough, sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.- Use gel sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes if soap and water isn’t available.
- Use a paper towel to flush toilets, turn off faucets and open doors in restrooms so you don’t have to physically touch unhygienic surfaces.
- Keep your hands away from your face (your eyes, nose and mouth) to prevent the virus from getting into your system.
- Get enough sleep. For adults, that’s at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Kids need more sleep – 9 hours for teens, and 10 to 12 hours for younger children.
- Eat your fruits and vegetables to get plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to fight off infections.
- Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes to boost your immunity.
- Reduce your stress since it can weaken your immune system.
- Get outside in the sunshine for at least 10 minutes a day to increase your levels of vitamin D.
- Stay away from people who are sick. People who are at high risk for flu complications, like young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and people over 65 years old, should avoid crowds and public places as much as possible or wear a mask over their nose and mouth when they’re out.
- Smile and stay positive to trigger chemical reactions within your body that ward off illness.
If you do come down with the flu, a typical case can last from a few days to 2 weeks. During this time, especially if you have a fever, you should limit contact with other people. To avoid spreading flu germs, you should always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or paper towel when you sneeze or cough. Or, you can use the crook of your elbow. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve your flu symptoms. However, if you have a higher risk for flu complications, see your doctor about a prescription for antiviral medicine which can reduce the severity of your illness and shorten the time that you’re sick.
No one wants to get sick. But by leading a healthier life and boosting your immune system, it is possible to avoid getting the flu.
Custom Orthotics Guard against Painful Foot Conditions
Just as you can defend yourself against the flu, you also can take steps to prevent painful foot conditions, like corns, calluses, bunions and plantar fasciitis, from occurring. The ezWalker® Performance Insole is a custom-made orthotic that provides the arches of your feet with the biomechanical support they need to enhance the way you walk. Unlike over-the-counter arch supports or poorly designed custom orthotics that can actually inhibit the way your foot functions, leading to added stress and strain on your feet which can cause painful foot conditions to develop, the ezWalker® insole is designed using our unique, biomechanically correct, 7-step process. This process controls the hind foot and allows proper function of the first metatarsal joint – creating a better step with each step you take. And since your feet will be better biomechanically aligned, you’ll experience reduced stress and strain on your feet – as well as your knees, hips and lower back.
For more information on possible solutions to your foot pain, visit the WalkEzStore. The ezWalker® Performance Insole comes with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. So, you’ve got nothing to lose, but your foot pain. Try it today!
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
