by Shauna Dorko, Owner, Sidney SeniorCare –
While we head down the homestretch towards the rewards that accompany spring, flu season is holding us back with determined fingers. I remember the days when the flu was nothing more than an inconvenience. These days, flu and cold viruses are stronger than ever, and for seniors who often have weak or compromised immune systems, they can have frightening consequences.
Protecting ourselves from contracting these often seasonal sicknesses is not an easy task, but here are some tips that can help keep ourselves and our senior loved ones healthy and at their strongest.
1. Get the Flu Vaccine. Flu viruses are constantly changing; the vaccine will help to protect against new strains and build up antibodies to fight seasonal flus.
2. Wash Your Hands A Lot. We’ve been told this all of our lives and it seems so simple, but it’s true, especially after exposure to public places or someone who is sick. You do need to scrub for at least 20 seconds to completely rid your skin of viruses. If you can’t access soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Keep Your Home and Surroundings Clean. Make sure your home environment is cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Frequently touched items such as doorknobs and light switches should be given special attention.
4. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables. Try to integrate more of these foods into your own and your senior’s daily routine. Good nutrition is the foundation to a stronger body.
5. Regular exercise. Exercise is a proven immune system booster, so help your senior to stay moving during these cooler months. For those seniors who don’t have mobility issues, walking four times a week can reduce the risk of contracting a cold by one third.
6. Adequate Sleep. Make sure you and your loved ones get plenty of sleep to keep your immune system functioning well.
7. Prevent and Prepare. Steer clear of people you know who are ill and avoid physical contact, especially hand shaking. Keep supplies on hand such as soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, pain relievers/decongestants, a thermometer and comfort foods like chicken soup and herbal teas. If you feel a cold coming on, research has shown that zinc lozenges may shorten its duration and lessen its severity.
Be proactive; take care of yourself, your family and your senior loved ones and you’ll bring seasonal-related illness to its knees.
Until we meet again … let’s continue to partner together in advocacy for seniors!
Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for future columns. Please email us at news@seasidemagazine.ca with “Seniors” in the subject line.
