Protecting Health During Mother Nature's Mood Swings
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you live in Texas, then you're already familiar with the wrath of mother nature. You've probably heard the expression, "If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a minute." Unfortunately, this is not exaggerated. In one week, you might experience the depths of winter and the teasing of spring. You may need your shorts and your winter coat. While this certainly keeps things interesting, it also sets many up for health problems. Allergies, colds, and simply being rundown become problems. If you want to protect your health among the chaos, take a look at these tips to try today.
Be Prepared
Since you never know what the weather is going to do, it's important to be prepared. Pack layers of clothes in your car. A light jacket, a hat, gloves, and a blanket should probably be permanent backup. It might also be a good idea to keep an umbrella handy. This can keep you from getting caught in bad weather without proper protection, which helps keep you healthier long-term.
Get Allergy Medicine Ready
You never know when a spring-like day is going to hit. And the plants and animals and bugs never know either. When a warm front comes through in the winter, many of the plants begin to bloom. So even though it's not time, you may notice your allergies kicking in. To help combat this problem, go ahead and stock your medicine cabinet with allergy meds. When a warm day shows up unexpectedly, you'll be ready with the proper prevention.
Be Slow to Change the Thermostat
Unless it swings from the mid 70s to the upper 30s in one day -- which unfortunately happens sometimes -- you should probably leave your thermostat alone. You may need to adjust it by a few degrees, but try to avoid turning it from heat to air and back again too quickly. When we change the air too quickly, it can be hard on our sinuses and breathing, ultimately leading to unnecessary setbacks in illness.
Boost the Immune System
Any time is the right time to boost the immune system. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you are to get sick. You can do this by consuming Vitamin C, eating a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water. Don't wait until winter to make this happen, but rather make it a habit that you include all year.
It's hard to keep up with the weather in Texas. It has a mind of its own! But if you're willing to get prepared, you can protect your health no matter what's happening around you. Use these tips to get started, and do your best to maintain health and wellness all year long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arlington, Tex.
