You Can't Avoid Winter but You Can Avoid the Flu
By Donna Stark
I don't think there has ever been a season in my life where I have been completely illness-free. At some point or another, I have gotten sick during all stages of the year. And although I don't always get sick in the summer and I don't always call off work in the spring, I do always get sick in the winter. How about you? Is winter the bane of your existence? Is it the period of the year, that no matter where you live and no matter if there is snow on the ground or not, you always end up sitting in your doctor's office clutching onto a box of tissue?
Why Does Winter Hate Us?
Yes, you can definitely get sick in every season of the year, but why does winter have the worst reputation for illness? It's prime time for colds and flu so you need to be able to protect yourself in the best way possible. Here are some tips on how to do so.
- Wash your hands - The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands with soap and water frequently throughout your day. Carry some antibacterial gel around with you if you can't always get to a sink.
- Don't touch your face - Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth (this includes biting your nails). Those are the most common spots for germs to enter your body.
- Consume healthy foods - Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrition and support your immune system. Adding foods to your daily diet is a lot easier than fighting off the flu.
- Exercise every day - Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and fitness level, it will also enhance your immune system.
- Sanitize your space - Keep your home, office, and car clean and sanitized at all times. You never know what germs may be lurking where you place your hands.
- Get plenty of rest - Your body needs sleep to rest and recover from the day, and if you are feeling under the weather, it may need even more. Be sure to get the recommended amount of sleep each night.
- Use utensils - Try to eat with utensils more often than your hands during the cold and flu season. No matter how clean your hands appear to be, there is always an increased risk for illness if they touch your food.
- Call Grandma - Nothing makes you feel better than a bowl of your grandmother's famous chicken soup, so give her a call and ask for the recipe. Or better yet, ask for a delivery. You know she will oblige!
Focus on the Basics
The key to staying healthy during the winter is prevention, so if you do the basics ... consume a healthy diet, exercise, sleep well, and wash your hands ... the chances of making it out of winter unscathed are great!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.