Healthy aging: keep your immune system strong
Your immune system works to keep infections and sickness away. When you get older, your immune system can change, which can make it easier for you to get sick. This can be worse if you have health problems, such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease.
Try some of these tips to help keep your immune system strong and your body healthy.
- Eat a healthy diet. Include many fruits and vegetables every day to get different vitamins and minerals and to help you stay at a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes makes your immune system weak and is bad for your health.
- Get vaccinated. Get a flu shot every year and see if you need a shot for Tdap or pneumonia.
- Wash your hands. Washing your hands before and after eating, after using the toilet and blowing your nose can keep you from getting sick from germs.
- Lower stress. Find healthy ways to deal with stress, such as going for a walk or talking to someone you trust.
- Move more. Getting regular exercise helps keep your immune system strong.
It’s also important to ask your doctor about tests you may need for people your age or with your risk factors. Call 214.266.4000 to make an appointment at a Parkland clinic.
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