• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Students and Young Professionals
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Policy Conference
    • Summer Meeting
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Immune system tips offered

A healthy immune system is a person’s central defense against germs bent on mayhem.

By Trisha Gedon | Oklahoma State University DASNR | April 1, 2020

While medical researchers worldwide race to develop a cure for COVID-19, people can work to strengthen their immune systems and stay as healthy as possible, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist.

A few easy and practical habits might make a big difference in the long run – emotionally as well as physically.

“The immune system is actually made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs. Eating right, staying physically active, getting enough sleep and managing stress keeps everything in top working order,” Hermann said. “However, people are likely experiencing higher levels of stress, getting less sleep and perhaps not eating healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A healthful diet has an important role in maintaining the immune system. Hermann said many different nutrients have a role in supporting a healthy immune system, including protein, beta-carotene, folate, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium and vitamins A, C, B6 and D.

However, too much of a good thing can create other problems, so Hermann said to focus on a

well-balanced diet containing a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein following the USDA’s ChooseMyPlate.

Hermann also stressed the importance of engaging in regular moderate physical activity in an effort to help keep the immune system strong. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week. Children ages 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

Getting enough sleep and managing stress also are important for a healthy immune system. Not getting enough sleep, coupled with dealing with a lot of stress, can wear down a person’s body and weaken their immune system.

Ideally, Hermann said, adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, on average. However, some adults function just fine on six hours, while others may need up to nine hours of sleep.

“Today’s current situation is causing a lot of stress for people, which can take a toll both physically and emotionally,” she said. “Learning ways to reduce or manage stress is imperative for good health. Physical activity also plays a positive part in immune function by helping with stress management. If you have exercise equipment at home, use it. If not, go for a walk around your home or tune into an online exercise show to help deal with the stress you may be experiencing.”

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
April 1, 2020

Categories: COVID-19, The Cattleman Now, The Cattleman Now - App

Recent Posts

Crime watch: Brangus bull missing in Fayette County

June 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Kenny Murchison, District 20 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Brangus bull missing in Fayette County

Crime watch: Cattle missing in Freestone County

June 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Chace Fryar, District 21 in East …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Cattle missing in Freestone County

Crime watch: Charolais bull missing in Luling

June 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Robert Fields, District 25 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Charolais bull missing in Luling

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Students and Young Professionals
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Sponsorships & Advertisement
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE