As the H1N1 pandemic comes to an end, we should remain alert for more to come.

Steady expansion of our global society during the past 10 years is a primary reason for increased health scares, observers say.

With the rapid movement of people and goods around the world, the chances are much greater for widespread infections like influenza, E. coli or even just the common cold. Trends also show that up to 50 per cent of the global population has growing health concerns.

"Even for the healthiest people, and for those who don't travel much, there are immune challenges every day," says Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of the Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

"Globally, the most common ailments causing serious discomfort, in addition to financial burdens and loss of productivity, are influenza, the common cold, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, E. coli, diarrhea and asthma."

Torkos says that a lifestyle with a smart balance of exercise and rest, plus a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts and seeds will go a long way to support a healthy immune system and build resistance to disease.

"Also popular as an extra measure are nature-based supplements like the proprietary extract of American ginseng and reishi mushrooms, which is sold by the brand name Immunity-Fx. These diet and lifestyle options all combined form a pro-active approach to better health, and should give you a big edge for fighting off all the invisible and unknown germs," she said.

The latest health trends to watch are as follows:

GLOBALIZATION

In addition to the increased travel of people and goods, there is also an increasing population density in urban areas, which very readily enables the spread of infections. In the past, flu would hit a region generally once per year, but now it's more frequent -- causing outbreaks throughout the year and affecting 15 to 20 per cent of the population.

HOME COOKING

As eating out increases and home cooking declines, knowledge of household food-safety practices has declined too. As a result, many food-borne infections are caused in the kitchen.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics has lead to resistance -- the bugs are becoming stronger than the drugs. This makes it more difficult and more expensive to treat infections. Understanding health trends around the world will arm us too, observers say. Be good to yourself and strengthen your immune system whenever you can.