Staying Healthy

It's not as hard as you think. The basics are a good diet, exercise, keeping your stress down and learning how to roll with the punches. The rewards are that with a strong body and mind you can resist whatever adverse health issues come your way.

In an interview with Dr. Mary Jo DiMilia, M.D., on BellaOnline, she makes the following case for a strong immune system.

"A variety of things can help build the immune system. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is our first line of defense. Our body needs key nutrients that are found in certain foods to stay healthy. For example, antioxidants are very important. At the cellular level, antioxidants help deactivate free radicals, damaged cells that can damage other healthy cells. Free radicals are natural by-products of many processes within the body and are also created by exposure to various environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and the sun’s UV rays. Antioxidants stop free radicals before they can damage healthy cells. Colorful fruits and vegetables such as blackberries, blueberries, red kidney beans, red peppers and carrots are all rich in antioxidants.

Regular exercise, proper sleep and effective stress management can also help maintain a healthy immune system. "