Boosting Your Immune System

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is sweeping the globe. As of March 30, 2020, more than 140,000 cases of the disease have been reported in America, with nearly 2,500 people succumbing to the illness. Worldwide, the numbers swell to 719,000 cases and almost 34,000 deaths to date.

This has left many worried and wondering, “How can I defend myself and my family?”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides several recommendations for protecting against the novel coronavirus:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a facemask if you’re sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

But one important defense from getting sick is absent from the CDC recommendations: strengthening the immune system.

The immune system defends the body from outside intruders, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. A robust immune system attacks those germs we encounter every day and keeps us healthy.

Specific measures can improve this natural defense system:

Control stress: According to the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens the immune system. Controlling stress requires getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly and maintaining a positive outlook.

Exercise regularly: This is a reoccurring theme in health-related advice. And that’s for a good reason. From lowering stress to improving overall health, exercise has impressive benefits. And, according to WebMD, exercise helps the immune system perform at a higher level.

Manage weight: According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, obesity has been linked to an increased risk for influenza and other infections. And limiting dietary fat helps strengthen immune defenses.

Eat Healthy: According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, no one type of food or supplement can prevent illness. But certain nutrients, such as proteins and vitamins, help support the immune system.

So, it’s easy to see that eating healthy is a crucial component of supporting the immune system. Not only does it promote immune function, but it also goes a long way in controlling stress and managing weight—which are both crucial components of bolstering the immune system.

How Healthy YOU Vending Can Help

Healthy YOU Vending helps provide convenient access to healthy snacks, entrées and drinks through our network of independent operators in locations throughout the country. Healthy snacking throughout the day has been shown to ward off hunger and the associated overeating at mealtime. Many of our healthy snack options provide the essential protein and vitamins required for healthy immune function. And our healthy drink options offer a delicious, hydrating solution to sugary sodas and energy drinks commonly found in traditional vending machines.

Our operators serve hospitals, schools, gyms and much more. To find an operator near you, contact us at 1-877-804-6523. Or to request a Healthy YOU Vending machine for your place of work, simply go to healthyvendingatwork.com.