As flu season falls swiftly upon us, it is time to take steps to boost your immune system. There are three simple things you can do to help prevent your family from getting the flu.

Healthy Food Choices

• Foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits and their juices, strawberries, guava, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, snow peas, red cabbage, brussels sprouts and sweet peppers.
• Spinach, cantaloupe, mango and nuts are all good sources of vitamin E.
• It is easy to convince your kids to eat yummy foods high in beta-carotene like tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, corn and peaches.

Cardiac surgeon and talk show host, Dr. Mehmet Oz also advocates eating foods high in probiotics like yogurt to keep your immune system healthy.

Common Sense

Using common sense is the best defense against becoming ill during flu season. Preventing the spread of germs certainly limits your exposure to viruses, giving your immune system a fighting chance at keeping you healthy.

• Wash your hands often. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest using soap and water, lathering up and rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds before you rinse and dry off with a clean towel or paper towel.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands throughout the day.
• Use antibacterial hand sanitizer in between washings.
• Disinfect household surfaces regularly.

If you or a family member becomes ill, encourage the practice of proper cold and flu etiquette. This will help the rest of the family stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Immediately dispose of used tissues.
• Sanitize your hands before you touch household objects like the telephone or door knobs.
• Do not share cups and eating utensils.

Flu Shot

* Note: All photos are courtesy of www.skogenphotography.com