Today is Groundhog Day. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den, and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early. Sadly, he predicted 6 more weeks of winter earlier today.

Now, with that prediction, it is a good idea to keep your immune system boosted as we continue with February, and 6 more weeks of winter! The CDC offers 6 tips to keep your immune system healthy and strong.

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Healthy Food

Healthy Eating

Eat well with an emphasis on fruits and veggies. Try to incorporate lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat milk and dairy products into your daily meals. It's not always easy, but it is something to shoot for. It's also recommended to limit saturated fats, sugars, and salt...you know, all the good stuff.

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Excerise

Keep Active

Staying physically active, especially in the winter months is tough. But staying active helps reduce anxiety, helps you sleep better, and just makes you feel better. Eating well and staying active also helps to maintain a healthy weight.

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Sleeping

Get Enough Sleep

The CDC recommends getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Evidence proves that sleep loss can affect the immune system, which can lead to many issues.

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Smoking

Don't Smoke

This one is a given. Smoking makes your body less successful at fighting off disease. It also increases immune issues.

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Drinking

Put Down The Booze

I know. Super Bowl is in February, and it's a great time to get your drink on. That said, over time, lots of booze and beer can weaken your immune system.

Doing all of this is not a guarantee you will not end up under the weather, but it can't hurt!

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READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

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