A little shot of healthy.

27 Oct A little shot of healthy.

Why get a flu shot?

Without a flu shot, you’re up to 70% more likely to get the flu this year.   Furthermore, the more people who get the flu shot in a highly-populated area, like an office, the less likely the virus can spread.  Crossover Health recommends getting the flu shot as early as possible in flu season–as in now!–to prevent illness.  

Getting a flu shot won’t hurt you.

For those of you who think you can get the flu from getting a flu shot…not true.  However, there is a possibility that you could still contract the flu during flu season, but the symptoms are typically much milder and don’t last as long than without a flu shot.

Remember, whenever you are feeling sick for any reason, Crossover Health physicians and registered nurses are available for same-day urgent care appointments.  

What else can we do to avoid the flu?

While getting a flu shot should be on everyone’s “to do” list, there are many other ways you can keep yourself healthy this time of year. Here’s a quick rundown of tips for boosting your mental and physical health as cold and flu season begins:

Stress. Meditate it away.

Did you know: Stress seriously compromises your immune system. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol that increases inflammation and lowers your resistance to disease.

Tip: Take some time for yourself to relax. Studies show relaxation improves your level of immunity to the flu. Sit in a quiet room and meditate every day for a 10 minutes. It doesn’t take long and you’ll be amazed at what it does for your mind and body.

Nutrition. Feed your body what it needs.

Did you know: When you don’t get adequate daily nutrients – especially vitamins A, D, C and Zinc – your immunity decreases, and your risk for catching colds and the flu goes up.

Tip: Besides eating nutrient-rich leafy green vegetables and proteins, you can consult with one of our Health Coaches who can test your vitamin levels and create a personalized nutrition plan to get you more of what you need.

Sleep. Your body’s repair and renew cycle.

Did you know: Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of illnesses and serious, long-term disease. On the other hand, the proper amount and level of sleep gives your body the chance it needs to rest, heal and build up its immune system.

Tip: Get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night; 8-9 hours when you can. Turn off your electronic devices at least an hour before bed. You can even schedule that 10 minute meditation for bedtime to quiet your mind and help you get more restful sleep.

Hygiene. All the cool kids are practicing it.

Did you know: While the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours, it doesn’t stand a chance against alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Even washing your hands with good old-fashioned soap and water greatly reduces the transmission of viruses like the flu.

Tip: Be a good citizen. Wash your hands regularly. If you’re sick, stay home. The more people practicing healthy hygiene means there will be fewer of us catching the flu.

Exercise. Boost your energy and your immunity.

Did you know: Working out on a regular basis provides a ton of health benefits.  It may also contribute to stronger immunity by promoting good circulation, which helps the soldiers of the immune system do their jobs more efficiently.

Tip: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (the kind that doesn’t leave you completely breathless) a day to help ward off the flu. But don’t engage in intense workouts when you’re feeling under the weather – it may have the opposite effect and make you sicker.

Prevention. It’s worth a pound of cure.

Did you know: The CDC tells us it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to the flu virus once you’ve received your vaccination.

Tip: Get your flu shot early this year.