Ways to Have a Healthy Winter
Though we have a milder winter than most other states, winter in Texas can have plenty of effects on our health. From colder weather and less sunlight to flu season (and this year, COVID-19 still lingering), taking care of yourself is more important now than ever.
Use these tips to help your family have a healthier winter:
Beat the Winter Blues
It’s no secret that once we trade the warm summer sun for gloomier colder days, many people tend to feel down. Additionally, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of seasonal depression during the winter.
With stay at home orders and social distancing guidelines in place, many more people may feel these harsh effects during the winter months. Those who experience SAD may find themselves restless, lethargic, and unmotivated. Finding ways to improve your spirits is not only essential for your mental health, but for your physical health as well.
Here are a few ways to help elevate your mood and practice self-care:
- Winterize your exercise by walking or doing yoga indoors.
- Find a hobby, such as reading or painting.
Include Extra Vitamins in Your Diet
Our production of vitamin D tends to drop during winter, as we don’t spend as much time outdoors. Try adding more vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin A to your diet to support a healthy immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs.
Some foods to add to your shopping list may include:
- Clementines
- Sweet potatoes
- Bananas
- Winter squash
- Fatty fish such as tuna
- Egg yolks
Drinking Plenty of Water
While you’re on the page of eating a healthy diet, make sure that you’re also drinking enough water. Drinking enough water helps support proper digestion, brain function, weight loss, and can also keep migraines at bay. The general rule of thumb is that each person should drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.
Take Care of Your Skin
Colder air and low humidity levels can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Especially for those with allergies or eczema, time spent indoors this winter can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re suffering from an eczema flare-up, stop into our clinic for help.
To keep your skin healthy, be sure to drink plenty of water, limit how long you spend in the shower, and use a moisturizer daily. You may want to also consider purchasing a humidifier to add more moisture to the air inside your home. This can not only help your skin but can help alleviate your indoor allergies as well!
Keep the Germs Away
While flu season typically takes a toll on our community between October and March, this year we run the risk of also contracting COVID-19 during the same period. That’s why protecting your family is even more important this season.
Reducing Your Risks
Your risk of catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.
When possible, it's best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county's guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts. There are a number of other ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including COVID-19:
- Washing your hands.
- Covering your sneezes and coughs
- Cleaning common surfaces frequently.
- Avoiding touching your face.
Getting Your Flu Vaccine
Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.
The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Even if you've already put it off for several weeks or months, you can benefit from getting the flu shot as late as February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.
Caring For Your Family this Flu Season
At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. Stop in today for your flu shot to reduce your risks of becoming sick this winter. Additionally, contact us for more information about our COVID-19 testing and treatment options.