Staying Healthy All Winter Long Requires Action

Ask anyone and they will likely tell you it’s easier to stay healthy than it is to get healthy once you’re under the weather. And as we age, it seems that our immune systems require a bit of a kick start to help keep us healthy and happy during cold and flu season.

There are, however, steps you can take to lower your risk of getting sick this winter and here they are:

• Eat healthy meals. Include yogurt, foods rich in Vitamin C, foods that are low in fat and calories and healthy proteins such as fish or chicken.
• Get a good night’s sleep. While you sleep your body rejuvenates and regenerates itself and helps boost your immune system. To get a good night’s sleep, you should sleep in a cool, dark room. Turn off the electronic devices. Practice relaxing routines prior to bedtime (read a book, take a bath). Go to bed and get up at the same time every day – even on weekends.
• Keep the house clean. Airborne allergens are brought into our homes in the winter and linger there unless you are diligent in dusting and vacuuming. Consider using an air purifier during the months of the year when you can’t open the windows and bring in fresh air.
• Ask your doctor if you should have a flu shot.
• Wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy and free of germs during any time of the year. Using hand sanitizer is one of those products that gets mixed reviews – it’s a good thing…but not too often. In the winter it might be just what the doctor ordered.
• If you work in an office and share a cubicle space or a phone with others, grab some sanitizing wipes and wipe the phone and desk space off before you begin work.
• If you have to sign for deliveries or write when you’re at work or out in public or at a friend’s house, use your own pen. That way you won’t have to worry about what germs may be lingering on it.
• Grab a sanitizing wipe (many grocery and department stores have them available) and clean off the shopping cart handles before you shop. Be wary of pushing buttons in elevators – use your elbow. Don’t grab onto the railings of stairs or escalators, if you can avoid it – safety should always come first.
• Take a shower before you to go to bed at night. Even if you’re in the habit of showering in the morning, and there’s no reason you still can’t, taking a shower at night washes away any germs or airborne viruses you may have picked up.
• Steer clear of friends and family who are sick. If you’re sick, cover your mouth when you cough.

Incorporate one, or all, of these into your daily routine and you just might make it unscathed through the winter months!