GEARING UP FOR COLD & FLU SEASON: REGISTERED DIETITIAN SHARES HOW TO SUPPORT IMMUNE HEALTH

Pam Nisevich Bede, MS, RD, recommends lifestyle tips to help fight off illness during cold & flu season.
In a typical year, more than 35 million Americans will come down with the flu. Combined with other viruses, this fall could shape up to be a serious health challenge. That’s why it’s essential right now to adopt a two-part wellness strategy that can help serve as a strong line of defense for you and your family:1) Practice CDC-recommended illness prevention safeguards, such as safe social distancing, hand washing, mask usage and early flu vaccination.2) Stay healthy this season by adopting an immune-friendly diet and workout routine.  Registered dietitian from Abbott, a global healthcare company and leader in nutrition science, as well as athlete and mom of three, Pam Nisevich Bede knows firsthand how to maximize immune health in the kitchen and on the exercise mat. On September 15, she is available to discuss how to get “nutrition strong” and prep our bodies to fight off illness with these lifestyle tips:

• Perfect your plate: Fill your plate with lean animal and plant-based proteins that help build immune cells, and aim for the rainbow with colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen your immune system.
• Bridge nutritional gaps: We all skip meals or turn to less than healthy options on busy days filled with juggling kids, school and work. When you don’t get enough nutrients from your diet, grab a nutrition shake like Abbott’s Ensure Max Protein – it’s ready-to-go and has 30 grams of protein and other key ingredients for immune support.
• Drink up: With the flu or other viruses, common symptoms can lead to dehydration including fever, coughing, and vomiting. Stock your pantry with electrolyte-rich options to rehydrate like Pedialyte, comfort soups and teas.
• Get moving: Regular exercise has many health benefits that improve the circulation of immune cells and there is a direct link between muscle mass and immunity. Mix it up with a combination of socially distanced aerobic exercise – running, hiking, biking – and strength training (no need for a fully stocked home gym!) to build muscle mass that can jumpstart your immune system.

Check out more information on the segment below at www.ensure.com.