Page 23 - Florida Sentinel 12-11-15 Edition

Health
Workplace Cold & Flu Tips To Protect Your Sick Days
Consequences Of Sleep Deprivation
Illnesses and viruses are more likely to spread through the workplace since everyone is in such close quarters. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to stay healthy this flu season.
Here are a few ays to reduce your number of sick days this year!
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
During this time of the year, it’s especially important to eat plenty of fruits and vegeta- bles, increase your fluid intake, and aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to boost your immune system.
Wipe Down Everything
Sanitize all commonly touched surfaces, in- cluding doorknobs, cabinet handles, key- boards, phones, counters, and faucets with disinfecting wipes.
Wash Your Hands
One of the most effective ways to prevent germs from spreading is by washing your hands using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Get Vaccinated
Although many folks are still skeptical about getting the flu shot, it’s the best way to reduce your chances for catching the virus, ac- cording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stay Home When You’re Sick
If you do come down with the flu or com- mon cold, the best thing you can do is stay home and get some rest for at least a day.
Keep Your Distance
Avoid shaking hands with and sitting near sick co-workers. And if you have no choice but to show up to work sick, keep your distance from your co-workers to protect them.
Be Considerate
Did you know that germs can travel 3-5 ft. when you sneeze? So, the next time you cough or sneeze, remember to cover your mouth and nose using your elbow or a tissue because no- body – and I repeat nobody – wants your germs!
During sleep your body is resting and repairing itself, and at a young age, sleep is the time for bodily and men- tal growth. Without the proper amount of sleep you could really be doing your- self a disservice.
• Your Brain - During sleep the brain actually works to build new pathways for neurons. Without time to do this, the brain is left feel- ing very exhausted. Every- thing will just feel hard to do. Learning is especially not going to be the easiest with- out a good night’s rest. Your short term and long term memory will be dramatically impacted and your mood will be poorly regulated.
• Immune System - Ac- cording to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, lack of sleep leaves your body weak and vulnerable to illness and dis- ease. Long term sleep depri- vation can heighten your risk of developing major ill- ness, such as diabetes.
• Digestive System - According to one done by the Harvard Medical School, “Sleep deprivation prompts your body to release higher levels of insulin after you
eat, promoting fat storage and increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” Lack of sleep can really do some harm to your hormone balance. Your cortisol hor- mone levels increase signifi- cantly with lack of sleep causing you to stress, and the leptin levels decrease making your body unable to determine when its full from eating.
• Your Heart - While you are sleeping the body is working to repair your blood vessels and heart. Lack of sleep can hinder this, caus- ing you some potential life- threatening cardiovascular issues down the road. Ac- cording to a study, people with hypertension, one night without enough sleep can cause elevated blood pres- sure all through the next day.”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-B