Unfortunately, the rate at which people come down with ailments like colds and sore throats during the winter months is relatively high. The freezing temperatures are the number one cause of most winter illnesses. This article explores three ways to keep your health in check this winter.
1. Take Multivitamins
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is your first line of defense against illnesses. Essentially, your lifestyle should include making healthy eating habits. Eating right can help you stay clear of winter illnesses. A balanced, healthy diet must consist of essential vitamins and minerals.
Aim to get enough vitamins into your system each day. Milk and other dairy products are good sources of vitamins A and B12. Alternatively, consider taking multivitamins to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs.
The nutrient composition of multivitamins varies according to brand and product. If you’re suffering from a nutrient deficiency, talk to a dietitian to prescribe an individual vitamin that corrects the defect. For example, dietitians can advise someone with a vitamin C deficiency to take individual vitamin C supplements.
You can get multivitamin supplements from pharmacies, online stores, and supermarkets. Remember that multivitamins come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, chewable gummies, and liquids.
2. Stay physically active
The busy lifestyles of many people prevent them from engaging in rigorous exercises. During winter, it gets worse as most people prefer wrapping themselves under the sheets to keep the cold out. There’s no denying that exercise is not a priority for many people during the colder months.
Notwithstanding, staying physically active can help you fight colds and flu. Studies show that staying active plays a critical role in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the body. A good rule of thumb is to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day of the week.
Choose a physical activity that you derive joy doing, like swimming, running, road walk, dancing, or jogging. By doing so, you’re more likely to continue with it even when it gets daunting. If you don’t have a gym membership, winter is a perfect time to sign up for one within your neighborhood.
3. Keep your home healthy
Remember that you will be spending a considerable amount of time indoors during the winter months. That said, you must keep your home healthy at all times. Keep in mind that flu germs are notorious for clinging onto surfaces for several hours.
By maintaining a healthy home, you can get rid of those germs and mitigate certain illnesses. Thoroughly clean your home with soap and water. When cleaning your home, pay special attention to items that you use frequently.
You can also decide to use sanitizing wipes that contain bleach to disinfect surfaces. Wipe down bathroom and kitchen surfaces to eliminate germs. Additionally, clean off surfaces that can serve as a breeding ground for mold, allergens, and pet dander. Try to let fresh air in as much as possible to improve your indoor air quality. If you don’t have an efficient HVAC system, consider opening the windows for at least 30 minutes during the day.