Most folks know how essential preventative maintenance is to a car or home. Without it, you're likely to incur large and unnecessary costs that could have otherwise been avoided. The same is said for each and every person's health.
Franciscan Physicians Hospital wishes to extend the following tips and information from Hospitalist Dr. John Szymczak to you for preventing illness this spring.
Dr. Szymczak states, "Some common illnesses we see in the spring include influenza, colds, hay fever and allergies, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infections, which often progress to pneumonia."
In consideration of why these illnesses occur, Dr. Szymczak says, "People are overworked and overstressed, and this leads to a weak immune system. Often times, people have increased contact with sick individuals during the warmer weather, and there is also increased humidity in the air. Combine these factors with the increased spread of mold and pollen, and this causes more spreading of infections."
To help prevent these illnesses, Dr. John suggests the following: "It's very important that you wash your hands often, and try to sneeze or cough into your shirt so that you don't spread infection yourself. Flu generally tapers off in March and April, but people with COPD and asthma have an increased risk for illness, so they should be extra cautious. Always maintain a healthy diet, eat regular healthy meals and exercise often. A combination of these measures will help you stay healthy."
Other suggestions from Dr. Szymczak include eating lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids (as long as you're medically permitted), eating green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. Dr. Szymczak strongly suggests that people stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Utilize these tips to help you and your family stay healthy this year. Remember, preventative maintenance on your body starts with you!
For more information on avoiding sickness and eating healthy, visit our online health library!
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