Your HEALTH Matters: Preventing the Flu

As part of Your HEALTH Matters program, health tips are published to give employees information on individual health, family health and, in general, living a healthy life.

Catching the flu usually means several days of absences from work or school. But just because it's flu season doesn't mean that you and your kids will inevitably catch the bug. How can you keep this from happening? Follow these prevention tips:

· The power of produce: Plant foods contain natural disease fighting compounds called phytochemicals and antioxidants. These substances can enhance your immune system. Therefore, everyone should eat vegetables and fruits at least 5 times a day, preferably 7-9 times.

· Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise will stimulate the fighting T cells to do their job--attacking foreign invaders like germs and viruses. Everyone in the family should be active most days of the week.

· Healthy Lifestyle: To improve your immune system and resistance to disease, commit to these guidelines: do not smoke, sleep 7-8 hours (or more) each night, eat a nutritious diet that includes breakfast, and avoid (or take steps to reduce) mental stress.

· Germs: To avoid the spread of germs, wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water (for at least 20 seconds), and do not share cups or food.

· Water: Drink 8-12 cups of water every day. Water helps to cleanse the body and remove toxins, including germs. By keeping body systems, especially the respiratory system, well-hydrated, you can enhance your virus-fighting potential.

Also, check out the Health Action programs from Your HEALTH Matters to help you help yourself to good health! Go now to HealthMedia. (Note: use the access code wellcare to get started.)

The weekly Health Tips are part of the Your HEALTH Matters program, sponsored by BNSF’s Medical and Environmental Health group. Look for more tips at the program Web site: http://www.bnsf.com/employees/healthmatters.

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BNSF News

Your HEALTH Matters: Preventing the Flu

2007-12-13

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