Ten Winter tips for Healthy Living

Winter is often a hard time on your body.  We tend to overlook health concerns and let ourselves go more during the cold winter months.  But don’t let Jack Frost distract you from what’s important.  Here are ten tips to help you stay healthy this winter.

1.  Exercise.  During the winter, we’re much more likely to cut back or cut out exercise.  Be sure to take time at least three days a week (more if possible) to get your heart rate up.  You can go to the gym, play outside with the kids, or even just walk stairs at lunch.

2.  Get more light.  It’s very easy to get depressed over the winter.  One of the best ways to combat this is to get more sunlight.  If you can’t take a vacation to warmer, brighter climates, sit in front of a high watt bulb (250w is good) for 10-20 minutes several times a day if possible. 

3.  Protect yourself from cold.  If you do need to venture outside, be sure to bundle up.  Dress in several layers and always protect your bare skin with a coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf.  When coming back inside, allow yourself to warm slowly and wait a few minutes before you remove layers. 

4.  Protect against carbon monoxide.  As winter approaches, be sure to have your fireplace cleaned and your heater checked by a professional (especially if it’s older).  This will help protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning, which can make you sick or even be fatal.  It is also recommended that you install a detector in your house.

5.  Get a flu shot.  Influenza can be very debilitating.  It will not only make you sick and out of work for days or even weeks, it can also increase your likelihood of getting other diseases.  Make sure you and your family get flu shots every year to stay protected.

6.  Cut the stress.  The holidays can leave us burned out and more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses.  Take time at least several times a week to do something relaxing.  You can take a warm bubble bath, read your favorite book, or even take up yoga.

7.  Control your portions.  Seasonal depression and holiday goodies can help us pack on unhealthy pounds during the winter.  Control your portions by eating a small snack before large meals and bringing a healthy snack with you to work or school.  Be sure to get some protein and fresh fruits and vegetables with each meal.

8.  Get a physical.  While it is best to have a yearly physical regardless, the start of winter is a great time to get one.  The cold winter months provide an indoor breeding ground for the flu and other illnesses.  Take the time in the fall to get your yearly physical so you can stay healthy all season long.

9.  Wash you hands.  Diseases like colds and the flu are much more prevalent in the winter because everyone stays inside where they’re more likely to pass around germs.  Protect yourself by regularly washing your hands and using sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink.

10.  Don’t overdo it.  Whether you’re going out for a run, shoveling the driveway, or even going to the gym, don’t push yourself too hard physically.  Exercise is good, but you don’t need to do it in excess.  Too much activity stresses your body and can pose serious health risks.