Winter is here and while the crisp, cold weather and snow in Pennsylvania are beautiful, it also means that common colds, the flu, and other germs can come with it. At all of our Pennsylvania Retirement Communities, we prioritize our residents’ health and wellness no matter what the season, which is why our expert team has come up with our top five tips on how to stay healthy this season. Keep reading to learn more.
Our best tip to prevent viral illnesses is to get vaccinated against them when possible. Your annual flu vaccination can be up to 60% effective in preventing contraction of the flu virus. If there is a breakthrough case after vaccination, being vaccinated can help reduce your symptoms and even go as far as to prevent hospitalization while sick. Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you, but also those around you which is why this is our number one tip on how to stay healthy this season!
Hand washing is another top tip to keep you and your loved ones safe this flu season. With germs easily transmitted from object to object, we strongly recommend washing your hands whenever you get back from being out, after every trip to the restroom, and before eating or touching your face. Be sure to use soap and warm water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. A great way to make sure you wash for long enough is to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself once through.
Drinking enough water is crucial to an overall healthy body. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, so staying hydrated helps all of our daily bodily functions. In addition to keeping our bodies working properly, staying hydrated can help keep the mucus membranes of your nasal passages moist. This is the body’s first line of defense against viruses and can catch viruses before they enter your body. Stay hydrated this cold and flu season to help your body fight off sickness!
Another preventative measure to take during cold and flu season is to wipe down any countertops, door handles, light switches, and other frequently used surfaces. Similar to washing hands, keeping these surfaces clean can help prevent germs from spreading when coming back from the outside world. We recommend using an EPA-recommended disinfectant for maximum efficiency against viruses that could get you sick.
Our final tip for staying healthy this cold and flu season is to make sure your body is well rested. Getting enough sleep has several positive health benefits, including boosting your immune system and helping your body produce T-cells when we sleep. T-cells are white blood cells that help fight off infections like the flu. Without enough rest, your body cannot produce all of the amazing immune-boosting cells and proteins that it needs to fight off infection, so be sure to prioritize a good night’s rest this season!
All of us at Sunshine Retirement Living work tirelessly to ensure the health and well being of all of our residents. We will take all available steps to prevent illness within our communities year round, but especially during cold and flu season.
For more information on our luxury 55+ communities in Pennsylvania or to schedule a tour, contact our friendly team today!