Enhancing Immune Health

Graphic of the Enhancing Your Immune Health Cover

Download the 5-session manual for free

Graphic of the Enhancing Your Immune Health Handouts Cover

Download the manual's handouts for free

About the manual

Enhancing Your Immune Health teaches users how the immune system works and how to apply practical skills for better immune health. Its central message is that people can lessen their vulnerability to colds, flu, and infections by adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, less stress, and a well-balanced diet. Also covered are immunity aids backed by research evidence and the role of vaccinations and annual screenings in enhancing immune health. People are encouraged to set goals to improve sleep, reduce stress, and choose foods and supplements that support immune function.

You can download the 5-session manual by clicking on the picture of the Facilitator's Guide, and the accompanying handouts by clicking on its picture. If you prefer to teach the content in one-on-one sessions, you can download the modules individually here:

Download Module 1
Download Module 2
Download Module 3
Download Module 4
Download Module 5

Who can use it?

The manual is designed for people in recovery from mental health conditions, but it can be used by anyone wanting to understand and enhance their immune health. Users taking medications and those with medical restrictions are advised to check with their health care provider before starting any new supplement, diet, or exercise.

How does it work?

This manual has 5 modules (83 pages), which can be used together to teach 5 group sessions. Modules also can be taught separately in one-on-one sessions. The material can be used in mental health or social service agencies, peer-run programs, community health clinics, outpatient hospital settings, schools, colleges/universities, or anywhere people wish to learn more about their immunity.

The manual follows a learning framework called the Three Es. The first E is Explain. Simple explanations are provided about the key information covered in each module. The second E is Evaluate. Using exploration and other strategies, participants assess what they already know about immune health. The third E is Engage. Each module includes exercises that engage participants in personally meaningful activities. This format ensures a highly individualized experience that can meet each person’s needs, strengths, and interests.

Classes cover the following information and skill-building activities:

Module 1, What is Immune Health, covers the basics of natural and learned immunity, along with the fundamentals of infection and inflammation. Also outlined are simple strategies to avoid becoming infected or infecting others, such as handwashing and proper sneezing etiquette.
Module 2, Vaccination & Health Screening, discusses the importance of vaccinations and how vaccines work. Also addressed is the importance of annual health screenings by qualified providers to identify and treat chronic medical conditions that can weaken immunity.
Module 3, Adequate Sleep for Immune Health, covers the importance of restful sleep to immunity, how poor sleep disrupts immune function, and tips for getting the right amount and kind of sleep on a regular basis. Also included is an activity in which participants set a sleep goal and keep a diary to record daily behaviors that can impact sleep quality.
Module 4, Managing Stress for Stronger Immunity, addresses the significant impact of chronic stress on immune health and techniques to relieve stress. Also included is a stress reduction goal plan and a simple mindfulness exercise for relaxation.
Module 5, Functional Foods, Immunity Aids, & Finding Credible Health Information, introduces functional foods and immunity aids backed by research evidence. Also included is a framework for assessing the quality and reliability of online health information.

What resources are needed?

A computer to download the manual and/or to offer the content via videoconferencing technology
A printer and copier to make copies of the handouts for participants
Pencils or pens for participants to complete handouts
A private room or space

What experience is needed?

While medical or specialized training is not necessary to use this manual, it is advisable to have experience leading health education groups or teaching health-related content.