Avoiding illness during wintertime is always a bit more of a challenge. Since we all gather inside during the winter, our chances of contracting illnesses such as a cold or the flu increases. Plus, the dry air strips away moisture from the natural barriers inside our noses, mouths, and even lungs, giving viruses a better chance of entering our bodies. Check out these tips for staying healthy during the winter to prevent illness.
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Make Good Food Choices
Eating only comfort food when it’s cold out might be tempting, but you should still eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. This will keep your immune system boosted and give your body a chance to fight off or recover from any invading viruses.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is as important in the winter as it is in the summer because our bodies need water to carry nutrients to cells and flush away toxins. If you do get stick, drink plenty of fluids, especially hot liquids such as tea with honey to ease congestion. Honey has preventive health benefits to soothe sore throats and help white blood cells conquer any foreign pathogens.
Be Active
The shorter, darker days might make you want to stay curled under a blanket, but staying active is important. You don’t need to do a lot—a little bit goes a long way. Going on a walk, shoveling snow off your deck, or doing a quick yoga session on your lunch break is helpful. It’ll lower anxiety, improve your sleep, and reduce blood pressure.
Get a Flu Shot
Even if you got a flu shot last year, experts recommend getting one every year since the vaccines are updated to protect us against any new strains that emerge. In doing so, you protect yourself and more vulnerable populations from severe cases that could involve hospitalization. Flu shots are usually free and available at any doctor’s office or local pharmacy.
These tips for staying healthy during the winter can keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
