Tips for staying healthy this cold season!

According to a recent Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Canadians are taking an ever-increasing number of sick days each year, leading to decreased productivity and scheduling difficulty -- which means an overall hassle for employers. During any given week in 1999, for example, about 6 percent of all full-time employees were absent at least one day; by 2009, that figure had risen to 8.2 percent.

So what's causing this spike in absenteeism?

According to the survey, it's due to a number of factors, including an aging workforce and high stress-levels at work, both factors which make workers more susceptible to illness. Additionally, the number of families with both parents in the workforce continues to increase, meaning that parents must take off work to care for their sick children.

With flu season upon us, here are five expert tips on how to keep yourself -- and those around you -- healthy this year.

1. Work out: A recent study in the British Medical Journal showed that people who exercise five days per week or more have 41% fewer sick days than those who exercise 1 day per week or less. The most fit participants in the study who did develop an illness had 34% less severity of symptoms than those who were the least fit.

2. Eat right: Instead of reaching for the candy bowl - grab a piece of fruit instead. The vitamins, minerals and water content all contribute to immune system health. Sugar has been linked to a decrease in healthy bacteria in the stomach, which can make you more susceptible to illness.

3. Get off your ... : If you sit at a desk all day, it's vital to stand up every 45 minutes and walk around. There is a direct correlation between prolonged sitting and creating disease. Use this time to do what you have to do anyway. Go to the bathroom or drop off a message. It doesn't matter, just get up.

4. Keep your hands and workspace clean: Washing your hands is key to staying healthy at work, especially during the winter when co-workers are more likely to come into the office with a cold. Wash your hands with warm water for 15 seconds every time you use the bathroom, take public transportation, handle money or sneeze, and before you eat or prepare food. Keep a hand sanitizer on your desk to use regularly.

Additionally, be sure to clean your workspace at least once a week. Wipe down your phone, cell phone, keyboard and other often-used items that others may have touched.

While a clean desk may help prevent you from getting sick, though, a neat one won't necessarily do the same. Studies show that the more cluttered with papers your desk is, the less likely it is to make you sick. Bacteria doesn't stick to papers that are being moved around, but sticks well to open surfaces.

5. Get enough "R & R": Stress is known to weaken the immune system, so if you're stressed out at work, be sure to prioritize rest and relaxation during your work week.

Additionally, take "me-time" during the week. Engage in one slow activity a day -- a slow walk, lingering dinner conversation, or long bath and do at least one thing you profoundly enjoy every day that is unrelated to your work activity.

Found on MSN Careers