Tips for Good Winter Health

By Kathryn Lively

As the weather gets colder, you may see snow on the ground where you live. Depending on your region, you could be in for several freezing days and nights, and it's important to keep warm and comfortable to avoid getting sick. Whether you stay at home or venture out daily for work, you must do your best to stay healthy and avoid any risks for the flu or other related illnesses. Here are some tips to stay well in winter, especially if this is your first year in a colder place.

1) Stay Hydrated. This may sound like sager advice for the summertime, when you expected to be out in the hot sun, but it's vital to get your eight glasses of water a day even in the cold. Hydration keeps you alert and your body balanced, plus it helps with your skin so it doesn't dry easily in the cold. Make sure you have plenty of good drinking water on hand if you suspect you may be home-bound for a day or two.

2) Keep Your Home Well Heated. You don't have to set the heater to high and roast indoors, but keep the temperature at a comfortable level, and have warm blankets for sitting on the couch or sleeping. If you own space heaters, be sure to read the instructions for use so you don't risk a malfunction that could lead to a fire.

3) Watch Your Winter Weight. It's enough that winter brings the heavy eating holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the cold weather also tends to wear on us and tempt us to eat on off days as well. Keep the pantry stocked with fruits and baby carrots, low-calories teas and foods light on cream and sugar. Try to cook light in rather than take out dinners.

4) Exercise. The snow may stick, but using that as an excuse not to exercise won't. Find a nearby gym or mall that's open to the public and keep up a walking routine to get your heart pumping and avoid the winter blahs.

Short of moving to a tropical island, there's not much one can do to avoid cold weather. However, if you know what to do you can stay healthy until spring and be energized for fun in the sun!

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk hospitals and Virginia Beach healthcare.

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