Everyone knows that kids get sick. That also means that their teachers get sick. From what I have been reading it takes new teachers years to build up their immune system, on average three to five years. And every school sort of resets it, and you have to get used to the new germs that the school exposes you too.

Over all I have been doing pretty well, a few very minor colds since January. But this weekend that all changed. I worked in the schools a four times last week. On Friday, as soon as I sit in the car on the way home, I felt sick. The moment you let your guard down and probably the first time I sat down since noon, it hit me.

By the evening I had a fever, chills, aches, the works. I spent the weekend with a pretty good flu. I have never had a flu like this. Every day I would have a different symptom. I don't know if I got more than one illness that the kids have but it got me good.

In honor of this here are some simple, and obvious tips on how to build up your immune system:

1. Vitamins! - Get some sun or take some Vitamin D! Find a good multi vitamin that has a nice variety, and as close to 100% of the Daily Dosage of as many as possible.

2. Sleep regularly - That means different things for different people, but going to sleep at the same time and staying asleep for as long as possible. Try going to sleep an hour earlier, every little bit helps.

3. Relive Stress - Try something new! Never taken a yoga class? Do it! Always wanted to go to a local park but have never had the time? Make it!