NEWS

No one wants to get sick. It uses up sick days, takes you from the job and the things you enjoy, and can be bad for long-term health.

When avoiding illness and getting sick, all it takes are a few simple steps to drastically reduce your likelihood of catching a cold or virus. Here are our top tips:

• Get Your Vaccines — Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting a preventable disease. Make sure to get your flu shot in September or October, and watch when the next COVID-19 booster is available. You can often get vaccinated for both at the same time and save yourself an appointment.
  
  
• Wash Your Hands (and Practice Good Hygiene!) — Avoiding germs is key to staying healthy. Keep your hands clean by washing them for a full 20 seconds regularly, especially before preparing or eating food. You can also bring hand sanitizer with you for use when you don’t have access to a sink. Also, practice good hygiene in general, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs to others. You can also reduce your risk of being exposed to viruses if you wear a mask in any crowded area.
  
  
• Focus on health habits — Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes all the colors of the rainbow to ensure you get the nutrients and vitamins your body needs.