(Family Features) The immune system – made up of organs, tissues, cells and proteins – is your body’s personal defense system against bacteria and viruses, helping ward off illness and infection. Because of the vital role it plays in keeping you healthy, it’s important to take steps to keep your immune system strong.

Consider these healthy habits that can go a long way toward supporting your immune system and maintaining your health.

Practice Proper Hygiene
Good hygiene – and avoiding close contact with people who are sick – is a key component of maintaining a healthy immune system. Practices such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing; and disinfecting oft-touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, counters and remote controls can help remove germs and reduce their spread.

Consider a Nutrient-Rich Supplement
The body requires many essential nutrients to form the foundation of a healthy immune system. Consider adding a nutrient-rich supplement like Airborne, which has been reformulated with seven key essential nutrients – vitamins A, C, D and E; zinc; manganese; and selenium. Available in effervescent tablets and chewable gummies, with flavors varying from Zesty Orange to Very Berry and Citrus, the addition of vitamin D and increased levels of zinc mean the improved formula provides the most essential nutrients of any Airborne immune-supporting supplement.

Maintain a Healthy Diet
Because a poor diet can weaken the immune system, according to research published in “Science Direct,” giving your body the nutrients it needs is key to helping your immune system thrive. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, as well as whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats as part of your meals can help strengthen your immune system. Also remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and limit processed foods, sugary snacks and beverages high in added sugars that can weaken your immune system and have a negative impact on your health.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Not only can maintaining a regular exercise routine help build muscle and improve endurance, it helps improve circulation, too, which allows immune cells to move more freely through the body. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing. This activity also promotes the production of endorphins and can help reduce stress, further benefitting to your immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Just be sure not to push yourself too hard, as excessive exercise can have the opposite effect and put your body under more physical stress.

Get an Appropriate Amount of Sleep
Sleep and immune health are intertwined. In fact, inadequate or poor-quality sleep can lead to a higher susceptibility to illness, according to research by the Sleep Foundation. During sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, so aim for the expert-recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking at the same time each day, even on weekends, and create a relaxing routine to signal to your body it’s time to wind down. This may include limiting screen time an hour before bed, reading or practicing relaxation techniques. A comfortable, cool and dark sleep environment can also improve the quality of your sleep.

Manage Stress Levels
Stress, both physical and mental, can weaken your immune system and lead to a higher risk of infection, particularly if it leads to sleep disturbances, reduced water intake, less frequent exercise or unhealthy eating habits. To effectively manage stress, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing and prioritize self-care through activities you find relaxing like reading, listening to music, journaling, exercising or spending time outdoors.

Find solutions to help support your immune system at schiffvitamins.com.

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SOURCE:
Airborne

(Family Features) In a healthy person, the body is like a well-oiled machine. However, sometimes things go wrong, and when that happens, finding the source of damage, illness or disease often requires a deeper look. In many cases, the culprit is free radicals.

The experts at Heliocare, makers of daily dietary supplements with powerful formulas that have antioxidant effects, explain how to help neutralize the effects of free radicals and reduce their impact.

What are free radicals anyway?
One would probably need some knowledge of chemistry to fully understand free radicals, but simply put, the natural process of the body’s cell metabolism can create unstable molecules, i.e., free radicals. There are also numerous sources of environmental free radicals, including air pollution, radiation, medications and pesticides, as well as certain foods, alcohol and even exercise.

The body naturally produces antioxidants to keep free radicals in check, but if too many of them accumulate, they can create oxidative stress.

What kinds of damage can free radicals cause?
Excess free radicals, and in turn oxidative stress, can impact how the body ages and produce visible evidence such as wrinkles and sunspots. There is evidence that free radicals may also contribute to the formation of some diseases and conditions, including accelerated signs of aging.

How can you reduce their impact?
It’s impossible to eliminate free radicals completely. However, you can take steps to protect your body, and especially your skin, from their harmful impacts with a few simple everyday actions.

• Reduce exposure: Avoid spending excess time in the sun and always use sunscreen. Limit your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking (including secondhand smoke). Be conscious of air pollution and use air purifiers.
• Increase antioxidants: Elevating the amount of antioxidants in your body is another way you can offset free radicals. Many dermatologists recommend dietary supplements like Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula, a clinically proven supplement with antioxidant properties due to proprietary Fernblock PLE Technology that harnesses the power of the unique polypodium leucotomos fern. The antioxidant properties in this oral supplement aids in eliminating free radicals, helping to protect your skin from their effects that can cause wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of environmental aging.  
• Manage your stress levels: High levels of stress, both physical and emotional, can lead to stress hormones generating free radicals. Practice mindfulness, do things you enjoy and consider habits like meditation or yoga to keep stress levels in check.
• Fight with your diet: Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods can also reduce your risk of free radical damage. Examples include produce rich in vitamin C, like broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, strawberries and grapefruit.

Learn more about protecting your body and skin from free radicals at heliocare.com.

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SOURCE:
Heliocare

(Family Features) Survivors of heart attacks or strokes may have additional health and personal care needs, often relying on a family member or close friend to help. While caregivers take on a valuable role, they also pay unique physical and emotional tolls.

In fact, a growing body of scientific research shows people who serve as unpaid caregivers may not get the care they need to live longer, healthier lives, according to the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service.

Caregiving typically involves a range of duties from providing health care services, such as changing bandages and giving medications, to helping with personal needs like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Administrative tasks like scheduling medical appointments, filing insurance claims and paying household bills may also be necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1 in 5 U.S. adults provides some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability; 58% are women and nearly one-third provide care for at least 20 hours per week.

“The typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list and most of them probably do not add ‘take care of myself’ to that list,” said American Heart Association volunteer Lisa Kitko, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. “While caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person.”

Prioritizing your own physical, mental and emotional health allows you to better help your loved one, Kitko said. Consider her tips for caregivers to care for themselves:

• Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about your loved one’s condition.
• Set boundaries. Say “no” when it’s appropriate, don’t dwell on what you can’t change and recognize you’re trying your best.
• Maintain a healthy diet, limit caffeine and get adequate rest.
• Stay current with your own medical and dental appointments. Inform your health care provider if you’re experiencing any signs of depression.
• Find a support system. Share your feelings with someone who wants to listen or understands what you’re feeling, like the American Heart Association’s online Support Network, which includes a section just for caregivers.
• Nurture your spiritual life and focus on things you’re grateful for each day.
• Make time for yourself and friends. Participate in activities you enjoy, including regular physical activity.
• Be prepared for possible medical emergencies. If you’re caring for someone at risk for heart attack or stroke, recognize the warning signs and call 9-1-1 if he or she experience any. Learn Hands-Only CPR; research shows most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Be ready to save a life by calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.

“‘Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,’ are definitely words to live by for caregivers – everyone tells you that and it certainly makes sense, but it’s hard,” Kitko said. “There is a lot of stress associated with knowing someone is depending on you … That is why taking care of yourself really should be the first item on your caregiver checklist.”

Learn more about caregiving and cardiovascular disease at heart.org.

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SOURCE:
American Heart Association