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The common cold is actually caused by a variety of viruses, not bacteria.
The most common way these viruses spread is by hand-to-hand contact. For example, if someone with a cold blows their nose and then shakes your hand or touches surfaces that you also touch, you’re more than likely going to catch a cold as well.
So, first and foremost, it’s crucial to wash your hands throughout the day to lessen your chances of catching the cold virus.
Getting Enough Rest
Over time, lack of proper sleep has been shown to lower what are called “T-cells.” Produced by the thymus gland, T-cells are a type of white blood cell critical to the immune system.
Eliminating Stress
Another direct effect stress can have on the immune system is through inflammation, which can show itself as redness, itchiness, swelling and pain.
Inflammation occurs when the immune system spots an infection. It is a vital first step in fending off disease. However, when it persists, it not only raises the risk of colds, but many other illnesses.
Try relaxation exercises or meditation
Get Plenty of Exercise
There is evidence that regular, moderate exercise can reduce your risk for respiratory illness by boosting your immune system. In fact, one study found that people who exercised regularly (five or more days a week) cut their risk of having a cold by close to 50%.
And in the event they did catch a cold, their symptoms were much less severe than among those who did not exercise.
Walking is great exercise and you can do it just about anywhere, shoot for a minimum of 10,000 steps a day if you are under 65 and 6,000 for 65 plus individuals.
Vitamin D
In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date involving about thousands of Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu. The risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.
It’s better to get your vitamin D naturally, that means staying outdoors for 30 minutes a day when the sun is shining. Be sure to ware sunscreen to avoid getting sun burned.
Quote of the Week – “Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without spiritual life.”
