The field of medicine is concerned with maintaining the health of the public. When one thinks of the services offered by a doctor, thoughts of prescriptions, bandages, and surgeries come to mind.
These measures are taken to treat an existing illness or injury. Yet, there is a line of thought that has developed recently which takes a slightly different approach.
As the scientific understanding of the medical profession has increased, we have come to see that many diseases are caused by microscopic bacteria and viruses that attack the body. This has led to a different approach to medicine.
Rather than focusing on treating an already existing illness or injury, many in the medical profession seek to educate the public about how to avoid contracting common diseases, such as the cold or the flu. This type of medicine is called preventive medicine.
The winter months are cold and flu season! It seems that everyone is more susceptible to these "bugs" when the weather is inclement.
Yet, there are steps that can be taken to decrease one's chances of contracting a cold or the flu, despite the guy sitting next to you on the bus who can't stop coughing. Making these various steps into habit will help you maintain your health and avoid going to the doctor.
One of the first things to remember is to wash your hands frequently. Germs that cause the cold and flu are spread when a person coughs or sneezes.
The germs fly into the air and come to rest on whatever is close by. Furthermore, if the sick individual uses his hand to cover his nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, he will transfer germs to any object he touches.
It is inevitable that we will come in contact with germs somewhere during the day. The germs that are on an object can be transferred to our hands.
You might unwittingly touch your face and give the germs a chance to get into your body. Washing your hands frequently, preferably with an antibacterial soap, will cleanse your hands and help keep you healthy.
Try to avoid touching your face in general. Taking this step will prevent any germs that may be on your hands from having a chance to make you sick.
Be certain to especially wash your hands before and after you eat. If germs get onto the food you are eating, they will have no problem getting into your body.
Another precaution to take is to keep your home or work area clean. Taking the time to get rid of the germs on these surfaces before they are transferred to you will also decrease your chance of getting sick.
Avoiding a lot of close contact with people can also be helpful. Crowded areas can be hazardous because you might not always know who is sick.
Try to spend as little time as possible in large groups or crowds. During the cold and flu season you should drink lots of water.
It is a good idea, though, to drink only from a reliable source. Bring a water bottle with you to work.
Try not to use any public water fountains. These devices are good places for germs to collect and proliferate.
Another step which you can take to keep from getting ill is to get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccines are designed to boost immunity against certain viruses.
After getting the flu vaccine shot, you may start to develop some minor flu-like symptoms. This is normal, however, because vaccines work by infecting the body with a small amount of weakened virus.
The body then has a chance to develop antibodies against the flu. These antibodies will destroy a real flu virus in the event one attacks your body.
Finally, the best way to prevent becoming ill is to maintain habits of good health. Get adequate exercise and sleep, drink lots of water, and keep a balanced diet.
If you have any questions about these preventive measures, you can consult your doctor or physician assistant. Preventive medicine is often the focus of a physician assistant's work.
He or she will know the most cutting-edge ways to prevent illness and injury. Take the time to become familiar with how to keep yourself and your family healthy.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene has worked in the medical industry for years and recommends (http://www.mdc.edu) for Physician Assistant Programs in Florida.
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