Tip of the Week - February Recap

Coach Monika says…

The ‘FLU’ season is returning with a vengeance in many parts of the country. Here are some Tips to ‘boost the Immune System.” 

Week 1:

• The first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.

• Follow general good-health guidelines as the single best step toward keeping the Immune System strong and healthy.

• Every part of the body, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies.

 Week 2:

• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fats

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Get adequate sleep

• Reduce stress and seek relaxation

 Week 3:

• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing the hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly

• Wipe down iPods, cell phones, door handles, toilet doors, airplane service trays (when traveling), etc.

• It is suggested ‘avoid hand shakes!’

 Week 4:For Coaches:

• Exercise regularly (coaches)

• Control your blood pressure

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Don’t smoke (though a number of professional coaches and athletes do)

• Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category

• Reduce and manage stress and seek relaxation

Be skeptical

Many products on store shelves claim to boost or support immunity. But the concept of “boosting immunity” actually makes little sense scientifically, according to medical researchers. In fact, boosting the number of cells in the body — immune cells or others — is not necessarily a “good thing.”For example, athletes who engage in “blood doping” — pumping blood into their systems to boost their number of blood cells and enhance their performance but run the risk of strokes.