Skip Getting Sick in 3 Steps

By now you know that frequently washing your hands with good old soap for 20 to 25 seconds is the first line of defense against germs that lead to illness. Here, other ways to help you fight the good fight.

Step 1:  Regularly disinfect the kitchen sink, the trash can, the bathroom faucet, and the tub. They’re some of the germiest places in a home, according to studies. The champion of contamination? The kitchen sponge. Clean it in the dishwasher weekly.

Step 2:  Take a brisk walk five times a week. Studies show that regular exercise can help reduce your likelihood of catching a cold.

Step 3:  Work probiotics (a.k.a. good bacteria) into your daily diet to help your immune system ward off bad bacteria. Try yogurt, fortified drinks, or a tasty treat like the 90-calorie Attune Milk Chocolate Crisp Probiotic Bar ($1.20, attunefoods.com for stores).