December is National Handwashing Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to put a spotlight on all the things that can be done to avoid getting the flu. Before people start gathering for the holidays is the best time to make a game plan for avoiding getting the flu. The flu can be deadly for seniors, and seniors who are traveling or having family over for the holidays are more susceptible to illness. Everyone should make it a habit to do these four things to help avoid the flu:

Wash Hands Often

One of the best defenses to have against the flu, and many other illnesses, is washing your hands. People should be washing their hands whenever they are out shopping and touch a shopping cart, or when they shake hands with someone, or after they have spent time around other people. Whether it’s at a doctor’s office, in a store, or at a family gathering, washing hands should be mandatory after any interaction with people. Hand sanitizer is a good backup option if you aren’t in a place where you can wash your hands immediately.

Eat Immune Boosting Foods

A strong immune system will help naturally fight off the flu and any other illnesses that are going around. People of all ages should be eating some grapefruit or other citrus fruits regularly because the vitamin C and other minerals. You should also be eating foods that are rich in Beta Carotene like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli. If you have a senior loved one who struggles to make healthy meals, they can benefit from a nutritionist through home health care to receive more nutritious meals.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also an important part of building a strong immune system. Quality sleep is something that a lot of people struggle to get, but it’s essential for good health. If you, your senior parents, your children and other family members are suffering from poor sleep habits, they will be more susceptible to illness and to spreading it at holiday events. Ensure that your senior parent has help from home health care to monitor any medications that may cause sleep disruption and increase their flu risk.

Social Distance

When you are out holiday shopping, or at family parties, or a work gathering, you should be practicing social distancing. Staying at least six feet away from other people is a fantastic way for everyone to avoid catching the flu and other illnesses that are prevalent in the winter. Combining social distancing with frequent handwashing and a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy meals and a lot of sleep will significantly increase the chances that you and your family will be able to avoid getting the flu this year.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/spreading-flu-do-you-know-the-rules

If you or an aging loved one is considering home health care in Columbia, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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