Chronic stress is known to impair the immune system, leading to increased colds and illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and yes, influenza – the common flu.

So the next time you're feeling run down, tired and under the weather, ask yourself, "Am I enjoying enough time with my family and friends?" Maybe all you need is more time to relax with your friends – take time, whether minutes or hours, with your favorite connections to stay healthy.

In addition to friendships, you can help strengthen your immune system by:

• Getting enough vitamin C on a daily basis; natural foods are best, but if you choose a supplement, aim for 200 mg per day.
• Including vitamin E-rich foods in your diet, such as seeds, vegetable oils and grains.
• Eating your carrots; beta carotene is essential to building infection-fighting cells.
• Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables; these provide a boost of bioflavenoids, which help to protect the cells in the body. Maximizing your zinc intake to strengthen the production of your white blood cells; foods such as fortified cereal have the largest concentration.

St. Luke's Hospital is a regional healthcare provider committed to improving the quality of life for patients and the community. It offers more than 60 specialty areas and was the only Missouri hospital named an America's 50 Best Hospital™ by HealthGrades® in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 based on quality.

"In the Sproutlight"  is a sponsored opportunity. For more information on sponsorship, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 636-544-7233.

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