Over a year since the pandemic began, many are saying goodbye to their facemasks.

To keep your immune system strong:

• Reduce stress. Stress hormones make your immune system sluggish. Stay active, practice meditation or see a therapist.

• Eating a healthy diet. A bad diet can lack nutrients and antioxidants needed for a healthy immune system. Eat your fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, moderate amounts of lean proteins like fish and poultry, low-fat dairy, and use olive oil.

• Exercise flushes out stress hormones, contributes to better lung and heart health, sugar control, lower blood pressure and increased metabolism.

• Get more sleep. Not enough adequate sleep causes decreased immune function, and increased levels of stress hormones.

• Mind your nutrient intake. Get enough of Vitamin C, D and Zinc as well as Omega-3 fatty acids.

• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.