Hello, my good friends! I want to meet with Dr. Sung. In this video, I will discuss “8 Tips on How to Avoid Getting Sick.”
Healthy friends, I know that no one wants to fall ill, yet many of us often experience fevers, sore throats, body aches, and other symptoms. In Indonesia, people often say, “I caught a cold, doc.” So today, I will share some tips to help you stay healthy.
Tip 1: Reduce Exposure to Cold Air
In Indonesia, there are only two seasons: hot and very hot. This means cold air usually comes from air conditioning (AC). If you work in an office, be mindful of the AC’s position. If it’s blowing directly at you for too long, it can lower your body temperature and make you feel unwell the next day.
Tip 2: Reduce Stress
I also discussed this in my previous video, “What Are the Effects of Prolonged Stress?” While stress is not always bad, long-term stress causes cortisol levels to build up, weakening your immune system. You may have seen people who are constantly stressed develop chronic illnesses, frequent headaches, and body pain. Try to manage your stress to stay healthy.
Tip 3: Exercise Regularly
Exercise strengthens your immune system by boosting white blood cell activity and reducing stress. I recommend working out 3 to 5 times a week. What type of exercise? That’s up to you! Choose something you enjoy that suits your age and body condition.
Tip 4: Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Even though alcohol may make you feel warm, it doesn’t actually increase your body temperature. Drinking alcohol when you’re sick can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to recover. Some people believe that alcohol kills bacteria inside the body, but that’s a myth—no amount of alcohol can kill germs inside you.
Tip 5: Keep Your Hands and Phone Clean
Our phones are breeding grounds for bacteria. Think about it—you touch your phone after handling money, placing it on tables, or even dropping it on the floor. But do you always wash your hands before touching your face or eating? To reduce the risk of infection, clean your hands regularly and sanitize your phone frequently.
Tip 6: Drink More Water
When I say water, I mean plain mineral water, not milk or sugary drinks. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out toxins and supports your immune system. If you’ve ever been to an airport restroom, you may have seen a urine color chart. Dark yellow urine means you’re dehydrated. So, drink enough water to keep your body functioning properly!
Tip 7: Get Enough Sleep
If you only sleep 2 to 3 hours a day, you are harming your health. Lack of sleep accelerates aging and weakens your immune system. Ideally, you should sleep 6 to 8 hours per night. If you often stay up late gaming, chatting on Instagram, or thinking about your ex—forget it and go to sleep! At night, your body repairs itself through cell regeneration, immune system recovery, and hormone regulation.
Tip 8: Avoid Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics
Many people in Indonesia buy antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. This is wrong. Most colds and flu cases are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics won’t help. In countries like Singapore, pharmacies will not sell antibiotics without a prescription. Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, meaning the same medicine won’t work anymore, and stronger drugs with more side effects will be needed. Always consult a doctor before taking antibiotics.
These are 8 simple tips you can follow at home to stay healthy! If you found this video helpful, please click like and share it with your friends. I’ve also included two more videos here for you to check out.
