Some people seem to get sick more often than others, which may be caused by a weak immune system. Building a strong immune system will reduce the amount of time and money that sick days can cost. For starters, pump up your nutrition by eating three meals a day, including breakfast. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, foods high in fiber, appropriate portion sizes, and drinking plenty of water are keys to a balanced diet. Drinking 100% fruit juices is a good way to increase your vitamin intake.

Getting adequate sleep is vital to an immune system that functions well. Sleep helps our concentration and ability to remember. Plan to get eight hours of sleep a night and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Habits like smoking, overeating, and excessive alcohol drinking all weaken your immune system and can put you at risk for other diseases.

A key strategy for dealing with stress is to "get moving." Regular exercise can help you deal with stress, keep your weight down, sleep better, increase your energy level, and battle a cold or the flu. Research has shown that getting outdoors for at least 20 minutes away from recirculated air and heat energizes us.

Perhaps the single most important thing you can do to prevent illness is to wash your hands frequently. If you work with children, work in the service industry, use public transportation or restrooms, washing your hands frequently is the simplest and most effective piece of advice to receive and pass on to others.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the best way to prevent illness is by practicing good health habits. The Center states that "the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year." Modern medicine can be a miraculous thing, especially when we take advantage of its benefits and get the vaccines that are available.