Dodge colds and flu this winter with these simple habits and this fun recipe

Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

During cold and flu season load up on fruits and vegetables to give your immune system a healthy boost. See the recipe for a Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad below you will want to try.

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(Family Features) - You can hear it before you see it. That unmistakable hack-cough-sneeze echoes down the aisles at Aldi’s or Costco, and suddenly you’re weaving through like you’re in a germ-filled game of dodgeball, hoping no one sprays you with their “I’m fine, it’s just allergies” excuse.

Then at work on Tuesday morning, another barrage of coughing hurls your way, proving the germs really don’t take a day off. Cold and flu season has arrived, and for those determined to dodge the sniffles, the best defense starts with good habits: wash your hands often, eat smart, and steer clear of anyone who forgot how to cover their mouth.

Adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way toward avoiding the sniffles and sneezes. Start by talking with your health care provider about any concerns you may have then follow these lifestyle recommendations for natural immune system support.

Wash Your Hands

While it's probably the first rule you learn about getting sick as a child, washing your hands remains a critical first line of defense. Use warm, soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don't forget the backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails. Rinse off the soap then dry with a clean towel.

Commit to Healthier Eating

Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains are recommended by experts as essential foods for optimizing your immune system. Consider fresh grapes, a prime example of food that contains beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans.

Healthy cells are the foundation of good health, and the antioxidants and other polyphenols naturally found in grapes help protect the health and function of cells. The good news is that improving your diet doesn't require a complete overhaul - small steps such as swapping in fresh California grapes for processed snacks or simply adding a handful of fresh grapes to your day will add these beneficial compounds to your daily routine.

Or, you can add grapes to recipes like this Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, a vibrant and fresh melody of color and flavor. Roasted red and yellow beets meet sweet and juicy grapes, peppery arugula and pumpkin seeds all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health.

Avoid Others Who are Sick

Along with washing your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are ill may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes it's easier said than done. When loved ones, close friends or coworkers come down with a cold or flu, do your best to keep your distance and avoid touching items with which they came into contact. After bedtime routines with a sick child or afternoon meetings with an under-the-weather associate, thoroughly wash your hands and clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs or conference room keyboards.

Prioritize Hydration: Even during cooler weather, staying hydrated remains important for immune health by keeping the body's defenses functioning properly. Drink water throughout the day, and for an extra dose, increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water. Find more health and nutrition information at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Photo provided"

Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad

Servings: 6

• 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups peeled and sliced (1/8-inch thick) raw red and yellow beets, cut into small half-moons or triangles
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 cups halved red Grapes from California
• 1/2 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups (3 ounces) baby arugula
• freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and honey; set aside.

Place sliced beets on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Add salt and toss well to coat. Spread in single layer and bake 25 minutes, or until tender; let cool.

Add grapes and pumpkin seeds to bowl with dressing and toss well to coat. Add cooled beets, green onions and arugula. Toss lightly; season with pepper, to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (58% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 320 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

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Illinois, Chicago sue to block Trump’s National Guard deployment in the state

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Pritzker blasts “Trump’s Invasion” after federalizing Illinois National Guard for deployment in Chicago.

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CHICAGO - President Donald Trump authorized the federalization of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to protect federal officers and assets in Chicago this weekend, escalating his administration’s use of federal intervention in American cities.

U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block the deployment today but urged federal officials to delay sending troops until Thursday, when she will hear arguments in a lawsuit filed by the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago challenging the move.

The White House said the deployment is needed to safeguard federal immigration agents and facilities following recent clashes with protesters. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other Democratic leaders warned that the action would inflame tensions rather than calm them.

“We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion,” Pritzker said in a statement Sunday night. “It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state’s military troops.”

An Illinois official confirmed to ABC News that the Pentagon had authorized the mission. The Guard will require several days to mobilize and train, with the first troops possibly arriving in Chicago by the end of the week.

The memo from the Pentagon to the Illinois National Guard adjutant general read:

"On October 4, 2025, the President of the United States called forth at least 300 National Guard personnel into Federal service pursuant to section 12406 of title 10, U.S. Code, to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, and other U.S. government personnel who are performing Federal functions, including the enforcement of Federal law, and to protect Federal property, at locations where violent demonstrations against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur based on current threat assessments and planned operations.

"This memorandum further implements the President's direction. Up to 300 members of the Illinois National Guard will be called into Federal service effective immediately for a period of 60 days. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau will immediately coordinate the details of the mobilization with you, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander, U.S. Northem Command. The mobilized Service members will be under the command and control of the Commander, U.S. Northern Command."

The Trump administration also plans to send members of the Texas National Guard after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requested additional support to protect federal immigration officers and facilities, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has seen repeated clashes between ICE agents and demonstrators.

A similar mobilization of 200 National Guard troops in Oregon was temporarily blocked Sunday after a federal judge found Trump was likely overstepping his legal authority in responding to relatively small protests near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland.

The League of Women Voters of Illinois and the League of Women Voters of the United States issued a stern statement rebuking the President's move to send in troops to escalate tensions between Illinois and the Trump administration.

"Illinoisans will not be bullied into submission by acquiescing to warrantless attacks on our citizens nor to inhumane treatment of our neighbors and family members. We have no interest in federal troops descending on our neighborhoods to impose terror in our streets simply as a show of power," the League wrote, representing over 800 local and state organizations. "The League strongly condemns the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and every other American city without cause."

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Tags: Trump federalizes Illinois National Guard, Chicago federal deployment controversy, J.B. Pritzker Trump clash, federal troops Chicago protests, Illinois Guard lawsuit

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Upgrade your RV life: Must-have appliances for comfort and convenience

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Make your RV travel easier with must-have appliances for climate control, cleaning, and cooking on the road.

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Photo: Michael B. Stuart/Unsplash

Your RV into a home on wheels. Regardless if you are traveling for short weekend or for weeks on end, there nine appliances that are must-haves for life on road or out in the wild.

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

What transforms an RV from a simple vehicle into a home on wheels? It’s the appliances you choose to bring along. The right gear can make the difference between roughing it and relaxing in style. This guide will walk you through nine essential appliances your camping RV needs to be more comfortable.

First off, let’s tackle climate control. The last thing you want is to spend hours in a stuffy, stale box on the road. The two main appliances you need to address most climate concerns are an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.

Many RVs come with a built-in AC unit, but if yours doesn’t, or if you need extra cooling power, you have options. You can find a portable or roof-mounted AC unit to suit your needs. The best air conditioners will dehumidify the air as well as cool it, but that’s not always the case. If you live or travel in a particularly hot, muggy area, then you’ll also want to get a dehumidifier.

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Consider getting a drip coffee maker if you travel with multiple people

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After all, humidity can be a major issue in an RV. It can make the air feel sticky and unpleasant, and more importantly, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage your RV’s interior and affect your health.

A small, portable dehumidifier is all you need. This device pulls moisture out of the air, creating a drier, more comfortable environment. Running a dehumidifier constantly (or at least when it’s muggy or raining outside) will protect your RV from mold damage and make your living space feel much fresher and more inviting.

Now, let’s address cleanliness, which also affects comfort and air quality. When you’re traveling in your RV, you’re probably taking many excursions outdoors and then tracking dirt and sand into your vehicle. Eventually, the particulate contaminants will accumulate and make your RV’s interior an allergen-ridden environment. That’s why we recommend a small, powerful handheld vacuum as an essential tool for preserving your comfort by keeping your space tidy.

It’s perfect for quick cleanups, like sucking up crumbs from the floor or cleaning out dirt from tight corners. Choose a cordless, rechargeable model for maximum convenience. It will help you stay on top of the mess so you can spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning.

Now, the rest of the appliances we want to discuss belong in the kitchen. After all, one of the distinguishing factors of RV life is the ability to cook in the vehicle, so it makes sense to upgrade this process as much as possible.

Let’s begin with coffee, an essential morning ritual for many people that should be easy. Consider getting a drip coffee maker if you travel with multiple people, a single-serve pod machine if you want the least hassle, or a French press for the highest-quality pour. All are simple to use and small enough to keep on the RV counter.

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A slow cooker is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals.

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Next, get an ice maker. This might sound like a luxury, but you’ll quickly find it’s one of the most useful appliances in your RV. Access to a steady supply of ice is valuable, especially during warm weather or when you’re camped far from a town.

Think about all the ways you use ice. It keeps your drinks refreshingly cold, which is a must after a day spent outdoors. It’s also essential for filling coolers to keep your food fresh on day trips or for chilling a freshly caught fish.

Modern portable ice makers are compact, efficient, and surprisingly fast. Most models can produce a batch of ice in under 10 minutes and can generate over 20 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. They are simple to operate; just fill the reservoir with water, turn it on, and let it work its magic. No plumbing is required, making them perfect for RV use.

Now, let’s discuss cooking in an RV kitchen, which can be challenging due to limited space and resources. That’s where a multipurpose cooker comes in. A slow cooker or an Instant Pot is an incredibly versatile tool that lets you prepare delicious, hearty meals with minimal effort.

A slow cooker is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals. You can throw in your ingredients in the morning, go out for a day of adventure, and return to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. It’s ideal for stews, chilis, and pulled pork.

An Instant Pot takes this convenience a step further by combining multiple functions into one device. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. You can sauté ingredients directly in the pot before pressure cooking, which saves you from washing extra pans. It cooks food quickly, conserving both your time and your RV’s power.

A toaster oven is another space-saving appliance that packs a lot of functionality. While your RV might have a microwave or even a full-sized oven, a toaster oven is often more practical for smaller jobs. It preheats quickly and uses less energy, which is always a bonus when you’re running on limited power.

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Photo: Paul Brennan/Pixabay

Camping in your RV with useful appliances simplify life and make your RV feel more like home.

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You can use it for more than just making toast. It’s great for reheating leftovers, baking small batches of cookies, or cooking a frozen pizza. It gives your food a crispy texture that microwaves just can’t match. Choosing a compact model will give you all the benefits without sacrificing precious counter space.

Up next is an electric skillet, a versatile and portable cooking solution that you can use both inside and outside your RV. If the weather is beautiful, why not cook outdoors and keep the cooking smells out of your living space?

These skillets offer a large, flat cooking surface with even heat distribution, making them perfect for cooking pancakes and bacon for breakfast or searing steaks for dinner. They come with a lid, which helps with steaming vegetables or simmering sauces. And because you can set a precise temperature, you have more control over your cooking compared to a campfire or a standard stovetop.

Lastly, a portable blender is a great addition to your RV kitchen for making quick and healthy meals. It’s perfect for whipping up smoothies for breakfast, blending protein shakes after a workout, or making frozen cocktails to enjoy as the sun sets. Look for a compact, personal-sized blender. Many are even rechargeable via USB, adding to their convenience on the road.

Equipping your camping RV with all these appliances will make it more comfortable and fit for any adventure, near or far. Each of these nine items serves a purpose, helping to simplify daily tasks and make your RV feel more like home. As you plan your next trip, make some of these upgrades and experience the difference for yourself!

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Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

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