Health and Wellness Challenge
Health & Wellness Challenge – MAY 2012
Ways to Boost Your Immunity
Nutrition
Good nutrition goes a long way to help your body function at peak performance and to help prevent illness. No one single nutrient can do the job alone. It takes whole foods with all their vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fats, carbohydrates and protein to work together. Foods the boost your immune system:
- Yogurt
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Red Bell Pepper
- Green Tea
- Pumpkins
- Ginger
- Oysters
- Broccoli
- Omega-3 Fatty Fish
- Oats
- Whey
- Tomatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Mushrooms
Along with eating these foods that are good for your body, you can help your immune system by not eating foods that put a stress on your immune system. These foods include refined grain products, refined sugar, processed foods and foods high in saturated or trans fats.
Exercise
Exercise has multiple health benefits. Including regular physical activity in your life can help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, as well as helping to prevent depression. Moderate physical activity can also help support your immune system by increasing the number of natural killer cells by as much as 50% to 300%. Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are all excellent practices to help decrease stress and support the immune system. Looking for a place to exercise? Check out Fit City CrossFit, http://fitcitycrossfit.com.
Decrease Stress
When we are stressed our bodies produces higher levels of cortisol which cause the number of natural killer cells to decrease. This leaves our immune response low and more susceptible to infection and viruses. Taking steps to decrease the stress in your life can include journaling, breathing exercises (yoga, Qi Gong, Ta Chi), staying organized, balancing your schedule, learning to say no and asking for help. HeartMath is a breathing tool that you can learn to boost your immune system as well. Look for upcoming classes on the Fit City website.
Attend a PlayShop
Come to this PlayShop on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 to experience Qi Gong taught by LauRha Frankfort at the Brady Conference Center at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center from 5-6 pm. Space is limited. Wear comfortable clothing so you can participate.
PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CHALLENGE:
31 Days of Being Well
Use this calendar to write down one action each day that is beneficial to your immune system. Return your completed calendar to FitCityScottsdale@shc.org by June 5, 2012 to be eligible for the monthly Health & Wellness Challenge drawing!
