What’s Your Plan to Stay Healthy and Flu-Free?

by | Jan 16, 2013 | Self-Care, Wellness Plan, Wellness Tips & Information


By Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS

The flu has arrived with a vengeance this season. It’s almost reached epidemic levels. The numbers of reported cases, hospitalization, and deaths have skyrocketed compared to past years and it’s only January.

This pesky little virus brings inconvenience, aches, and pains to most people. For others however, particularly anyone with a serious underlying condition, it poses a more concerning health threat. Don’t leave your health to chance. Who needs the misery?

Make a plan to keep yourself healthy during this nasty flu season. Your plan will depend on your specific needs.  It’s important to consider personal health factors. For example, do you have a past medical history or current condition that puts you at risk for getting the flu?   Do you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma, that puts you at increased risk for complications if you get sick?  It’s also important to consider your household.  Do you live with someone very young, old, or who has a special health concern making them vulnerable to any illness you might bring home?

It’s best to talk with your primary care doctor to figure out the best approach for you. You can discuss questions like those mentioned above.  You can also learn the risks and benefits to getting the flu vaccine, one of the most effective flu prevention tools doctors have.

Getting enough sleep, exercising, and effectively managing stress can also help your immune system stay strong. Remember health promotion basics too. Frequently washing your hands with soap and hot water helps stop infection. Eating balanced meals with fruits, veggies, and whole grains also increase your chance of staving off nasty viral attacks by giving your body vital nutrients to strengthen your immune system.

If you don’t want to get the vaccine it’s particularly important to have a plan to keep your immune system strong.  “I never get the flu so I’ll be fine” doesn’t count as a plan.  Don’t flirt with illness.  Make a wellness plan to help you stay healthy and flu-free.

 

Be well.

 

Holistic Wellness Speaker and  Wellness Luminary Donna Hamilton, MD has a mission to help everyone live the healthy, satisfying lives they’re meant to lead. She passionately teaches what being healthy really means and how to do it in a way that fits your unique needs. Her comprehensive approach to health and wellness addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being. Dr. Hamilton-a former board certified pediatrician-now specializes in health optimization. She retired her white coat and stethoscope and now speaks nationally about holistically improving health and well-being.  To book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit  www.ManifestExcellence.com

 

 

© 2013 Donna L. Hamilton, MD

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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