Health Concerns for Winter: How to Prepare
By Genevieve Cunningham
The winter is a time for big sweaters, hot cocoa, and cozy evenings with blankets and movies. It's such a fun time of year. Of course, it's not all holiday fun and comfort food. The winter is also riddled with health concerns. When the cold winds begin to blow, it's more important than ever to pay attention to and protect your well-being. But how? If you want to live a healthy winter season this year, take a look at these winter weather health concerns and how to prepare yourself to stay well.
Concern: Cold-Related Pains
The cold weather brings pain. You may have noticed back pain or knee pain when the cool winds blow in. This is both normal and frustrating. Besides causing obvious discomfort, these pains can make everyday life more difficult. If this is something you experience, there are things you can do to lessen the discomfort.
How to Prepare
You may not be able to eliminate all cold weather pains, but there are some steps that might be effective. First, stay moving. Stiff joints and muscles will be more likely to experience pain than a flexible, fit body. Next, stay warm. The warmer you keep your muscles (with appropriate clothing and regular movement), the less likely the pain will stick around. And finally, make sure you're getting massages and chiropractic care to help work these pains out on a regular basis.
Concern: Illness
The cold weather brings germs -- or at least it certainly seems that way. Catching colds or the flu or a random stomach bug seems to be the norm in the winter. And of course, the more illness you suffer, the more your overall health declines, and the harder it is to catch your health back up.
How to Prepare
You can't avoid all illnesses, but you can certainly put some preventative practices into place. Make sure you're washing your hands, taking vitamins, and seeing your doctor on a regular basis. You should also keep your exercise routine intact and avoid any person who is obviously ill. You may still catch a cold or virus over the winter, but making prevention a priority will help move you in the right direction.
Staying well in the cold weather can greatly affect your mood, your overall health, and your overall winter experience. Use these tips to avoid these common winter ailments, and take better health with you through the cold months and all year long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Smyrna, Ga.