Build Your Immune System to Stay Healthy
COVID-19 and other health problems can reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. Our immune system is our first line of defense to keep us healthy. There are ways to keep our immune system strong.
Having a robust immune system benefits you in numerous ways in this day and age. The immune system has a critical role in your overall health as it protects your body from germs, or what doctors refer to as pathogens. These germs include bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, cell changes, and other harmful substances that could make you ill.
Cell changes include cancer, and your immune system is your front line of protection to fight disease-causing changes in the body, such as cancer cells.
When your immune system is working correctly, you won't notice it as it works quietly in the background keeping you healthy - kind of like the virus protection on your computer. But if it stops working properly – because it's weak or can't fight particularly aggressive germs – you get sick.
Protecting the body is crucial. The immune system is a complex part of the body. There are ways to enhance it. One way to do so is to boost your immunity against illnesses and infections.
Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
How is your sleep - getting enough? Getting enough sleep brings a whole slew of benefits to your health. The benefits for your immune system are just one of them. Doctors link sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality to a higher risk of diseases.
If you're having difficulties sleeping, start by following a regular sleep schedule. Consider restricting your screen usage for an hour before bedtime. The blue light that your phone, TV, and other electronic devices emit might interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
Read these tips from the National Institute on Aging - A Good Night's Sleep | National Institute on Aging
Eat a Healthy Diet
Aside from giving your immune system the energy it needs; a balanced diet can also help you get enough of the micronutrients that play a part in maintaining your body's defense against sicknesses. A balanced diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are high in nutrients and antioxidants. Healthy fats, such as those present in salmon and olive oil can also help your body fight foreign elements by reducing inflammation.
Maintain Physical Activity Throughout the Week
Physical activity is essential for muscle building and stress relief. It's also a necessary aspect of enhancing and sustaining the immune system. Moderate exercise can help you by improving your blood circulation, making it easier for immune cells and other illness-fighting compounds to move around your body.
Always Keep Yourself Hydrated
Although drinking the right amount of water daily does not directly protect you from germs and viruses, it is vital to avoid dehydration. Lymph—the fluid in your circulatory system that transports essential anti-infection cells across your bloodstream—is mostly water. Dehydration causes lymph to travel more slowly, contributing to immune system problems.
Manage Your Stress Effectively
Stress management completes the different but effective ways to build up your immune system. When you're under a lot of stress—especially chronic stress—your body responds by triggering a stress reaction that aids you in dealing with difficult situations. However, this response suppresses your immune system, increasing your risk of getting sick. To avoid this, you can perform stress-alleviating activities such as journaling, meditation, or receiving chiropractic treatment.
We will experience a natural decline in your immune system due to aging, but often illness will attack your immune system's ability to protect you. Be proactive with your health as you get older.
About the Author
Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.
Mallory Knee
Contributor since September 25th, 2020
Editor's Note
We will all experience a decline in our health as we age. Our bodies will deteriorate, and we may suffer from dementia. These changes will often result in our need for long-term health care. The costs of care - in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care are expensive. These costs are rising rapidly nationwide and will put a financial strain on your income and assets and place stress and anxiety on your family.
Be prepared by adding an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan. You will have access to tax-free benefits to pay for your choice of quality care options in the setting you desire. Your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of caregivers.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
Seek Professional Advice
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums do vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Resources and Tools Available on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan for the future costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Share Your Knowledge - Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS
LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world.
You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
Get Expert Help Filing an LTC Insurance Claim
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Find Quality Caregivers and Long-Term Care Facilities
If your parent or loved one needs care now - or soon - you will need to find the appropriate care in the right setting depending on their needs.
Take a moment and read -
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
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