Best Tips to Stay Healthy This Spring

Cold and Flu season is in full swing. Seasonal allergy season is also around the corner.

How do we prevent and combat allergy season and keep immune system up for cold/flu prevention?

To make sure you stay at your optimal best and keep healthy this spring.

Check out my top tips below.

1: Take a screen break to stay healthy

With the recent changes over the past few weeks, many people are now working from home, kids are at home doing online learning, and then in the evening its Netflix and Chill time.

NOW is the time to start implementing Screen Breaks. Go for a walk, make some dinner from scratch, go for a drive, play a old fashioned card game! There are so many options!

Screen breaks help us to relax, focus on our breath, and engage in connection and communication with others, which is key for optimal wellness.

2: Rest & Relaxation

High stress can lead to either getting more sleep or not sleeping at all. As we know, sleep is the foundation of health so getting more sleep helps with balancing our energy, it helps give our body the necessary rest we need in order to prevent common illnesses such as the flu, colds, and general aches and pains. Not only that, but according to acupuncture theory, unresolved anger, stress and frustration can throw your immune system thus off allowing pathogens to affect the body.

Relaxation is also a way to stay balanced during this time of year.

3: Drink Plenty of Water

We’re all aware that drinking water is extremely important to our survival, but it does more than simply keeping us alive.

Drinking room temperature water has many benefits including the fact that it’s essential for proper kidney function and can even prevent kidney stones. It’s also known for lubricating the joints, delivers oxygen through the body, regulates body temperature, and maintaining blood pressure.

If you have a hard time drinking water, try adding lemon to it to amplify the taste, drinking tea, or adding a vitamin flavor enhancer. We always suggest avoiding cold ice water, especially in the winter. Drink room temperature water or hot water for optimal nourishment.

If it is difficult for you to remember to drink water, especially with our new routines of working from home, set a reminder on your phone every 30 minutes to drink water!

4: Wash your hands

I think by now, you have heard this a million times! If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is how to effectively wash our hands! Might be a no-brainer but this is the simplest way to stay clear of germs!

Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthy. Other ways to avoid coming in contact with germs is to keep a container of sanitizing cloths with you so you can wipe down door knobs, grocery cart handles, and even condiment containers at restaurants before handling them. If you have them, you can wear gloves that you wear while out and about.

…but remember even with gloves on you still can’t touch your face!

5: Get Acupuncture to Stay Healthy

Acupuncture has been shown in the literature to help improve sleep, boost energy, regulate metabolism, and reduce chronic pain. Getting acupuncture regularly, especially in the Spring can help to prevent getting sick and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture also helps to regulate blood circulation and can also strengthen the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle to prevent the intrusion and duration of germs and viruses.

If you are not able to make it in for acupuncture. There are other ways to connect with us. Dr. Heintze uses Telehealth Virtual Visits to have appointments to continue your wellness plan. Visits can address common concerns: sleep issues, digestive problems, pain management, stress and anxiety, and ways to boost energy. These are great visits to have weekly if you are not able to come in for treatments…and can be done anywhere!

Contact our office at (425) 686-4498 to schedule your consult today with Dr. Heintze today to learn how we can help! Telehealth/virtual visits are available now!

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Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, as well as digestive issues. Offering pain relief injections, acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, and nutrition consults. Telehealth Virtual consults available. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free on Amazon. 

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Sources:

https://www.centredaily.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/article189158219.html

https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Chinese+Medicine+and+Winter+Season

http://www.acupuncture.com/education/points/du/du14.htm