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With temperatures dropping, many people across the U.S. will soon be at risk of falling sick. Luckily, there are simple and practical preventive care tips you can follow to reduce your risk of catching a cold or the flu. And by incorporating these steps into your daily routine, you can also help combat illness throughout the year.

Ways to Watch Out for Your Health this Fall & Winter

1. Get a Flu Shot This Season

First and foremost, make sure to plan a visit to your primary care clinic to receive your flu shot if you haven’t already done so. The vaccine is recommended by the CDC for anyone above the age of six months, and especially the young and the elderly. Each year, the vaccine is updated to protect against the season’s most common strains, which is why it needs to be renewed annually.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

By prioritizing healthy eating habits to ensure you get plenty of nutrients, you are giving your body its best possible line of defense against colds, bacterial infections, and other viruses. An equally crucial aspect of preventive care is getting plenty of regular exercise which is good for your overall wellbeing and, especially, your cardiovascular health.

3. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Almost every surface we come into contact with is full of germs. Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer to keep bacteria at bay. Not only will you be protecting your own health, but that of others.

4. Maintain a Clean Environment

preventive careShared environments such as the work kitchen are likely crawling with bacteria, so be sure to keep wipes on hand and sanitize your own desk regularly. Your home’s door handles, light switches, and other areas which are touched frequently should be cleaned often, too. Keeping communal spaces sterile can minimize germ transfer and help to keep everyone healthy.

5. Avoid Contact With Sick People

Avoid coming into direct contact with anyone who is already infected. In general, try to keep handshaking and hugging to a minimum during cold and flu season. Even standing too close to someone sick puts you at increased risk for contracting airborne germs.

 

If you’re searching for a primary care clinic where you can receive both preventive care and treatment for illnesses and injuries, make Santiam Hospital in the Mid-Willamette Valley, OR, your premier choice. Their team delivers high-quality, compassionate health care to all of their patients. Learn more about how you can set up an appointment at their facility by visiting their website or call (503) 769-2175 to reach the hospital directly.

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