Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Ahhh-Choo! ’Tis the season of giving and receiving illnesses Guide Magazine Between sick coworkers, snotty children, and that guy in the grocery store who just sneezed all over the bananas, it’s hard to avoid getting sick—especially during cold and flu season. 10 Time- and Science-Tested Tips and Tricks for Staying Healthy Avoid getting others sick. If you are ill, stay home and rest, practice good hygiene, and avoid immunocompromised individuals. Eat your fruits and veggies. A healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals keeps your immune system strong. Exercise. People who regularly engage in moderate intensity exercise have fewer respiratory symptoms. Focus on key vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B6, C, D, and E and zinc are known immuno-boosters. Most can be absorbed in high-enough quantities from food (except D), but some require supplementation. But remember, it is possible to take too many supplements, which can lead to organ-damage, diarrhea, or kidney stones. And some can’t be well-absorbed except through food. Talk to a qualified professional before taking supplements. Hydrate. Not only does water flush toxins out of your body, it keeps your mucus membranes hydrated, which helps them block invading viruses and bacteria. If you get dehydrated while ill, it may be necessary to up your electrolyte intake to help rebalance your body. Keep your air clean. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce airborne illnesses. Kill the bugs in your throat and nose. Mouthwash containing 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) can kill influenza and corona viruses. There are also nasal sprays that have been shown to reduce your viral load. Sleep. If you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to get sick. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands before you eat, after you come home, between every patient you see, and between every class you work in. Hand washing with soap is better than hand sanitizer at removing grime and gastro germs. Watch your waistline. Obesity is strongly associated with increased risk of severe disease in people who contract influenza and other respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Sources: arthritis.org, cdc.gov, clevelandclinic.org, cdhf.ca, epa.gov, mayoclinic.org, nature.com, pmc.ncbi.nlm.hih.gov, weformum.org You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026