ACME is “armed” and ready for the upcoming flu season, with vaccinations for customers and preventative tips from Registered Dietitian Jennifer Shea Rawn to help deter illness.

Healthy eating is essential to getting your immune system in optimal working order – especially during cold and flu season – so Jennifer suggests the following tips:

• Eat the rainbow. Include an abundance of fruits, veggies and whole grains in your diet. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that help support your immune system. Vitamin C (found in oranges, grapefruits, lemons, bananas and peppers), Vitamin
  A (found in pumpkins, apples, carrots and sweet potatoes), Vitamin E (found in avocado, whole grains, nuts and oils) and zinc (found in green leafy veggies,
  beans, whole grains) are some of the most important vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. ACME also offers your child a FREE healthy snack with the Healthy Eaters™ Free Fruit Card. Designed for children 5-12 years old, this card can be presented by your child each time they shop to receive a FREE 2 oz. Crunch Pak® of sliced apples or banana to help encourage healthy eating while supporting their immune system too.
• Spice it up. Give your favorite foods a flavor kick. Garlic, ginger, chili pepper and onions contain immune supporting substances, boost your body temperature and open your nasal passageways when you have a cold.
• Ladle it. There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chicken soup, and the good news is that it’s good for both the body and soul. Make your own or purchase low-sodium varieties of chicken or vegetable broth and throw in fresh or frozen veggies and skinless chicken or tofu.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  Water helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps your body systems working properly. If you are looking for alternatives to water, try unsweetened, decaffeinated herbal tea and naturally flavored waters without added sugar. Also, green tea contains immune supporting antioxidants, so sip tea to relax your mind and body and to help ward off colds.

To learn more about keeping your immune system in check, visit ACME’s Facebook page a www.facebook.com/acmemarkets or visit www.acmemarkets.com. To learn more about ACME’s vaccination opportunities or make an appointment, contact
your local ACME pharmacy.