[dropcap]W[/dropcap]inter is almost upon us. While the chilly temperatures outside may make us start to crave a hot bowl of soup, in reality, winter can cause a variety of health problems.
Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from the cold and stay healthy all winter long! Follow these six tips to keep yourself feeling fresh and ready for the winter weather.
Protect Your Nose
This may seem obvious, but it’s important that we take the time to keep our noses warm when it’s so cold outside.
The cold can cause your nose to become extremely dry and irritated, which over time, could lead to a serious health condition. While there are natural remedies you can try, such as using steaming bags on your nose to bring blood flow back into it, some people need true medical treatment to keep that nose from feeling as if it’s going to fall off.
Plan Ahead
It’s important to keep your immune system happy and healthy by maintaining a healthy schedule. It’s also wise to avoid exposing yourself to cold temperatures too early on.
Instead, take advantage of the cool temperatures outside when you are still warm from being inside.
In the same vein, you should plan ahead for inclement weather, too. Using tools like snow blowers or shovels to clear the snow from your home will help to reduce the risk of accidents and help to keep you healthier in the long run!
Work With Your Doctor!
If necessary, make an appointment with your doctor or nurse to make sure you stay safe during the cold weather. During the holidays you don’t want to be in a situation where you’re a patient who needs a certain medication or a medical procedure but can’t get it because of the extreme cold.
Winter Warmers
Taking time to warm up your home when the outside temperatures are unusually cold is important to help protect your cardiovascular system and help you stay healthy all winter long.
Don’t let the cold weather slow you down from getting healthy. Remember, it’s harder to fight off infections during the colder weather, so maintaining good health is important.
Plan Your Workouts and Give Yourself A Break During Winter Holidays!
Protecting yourself from the cold and staying warm is important, especially during holiday seasons. However, it’s also important to take a step back and plan in some R&R time over the holidays—particularly focusing on not heading into the gym on Christmas Day!
Practice Good Hygiene
You probably already know this, but clean hands and a healthy diet can go a long way towards keeping you healthy. When it’s so cold outside, change into a thicker jacket to help you stay warm. After all, your body naturally needs to have heat to be healthy.
Winter is also a great time for viruses to spread. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep up the good hygiene practices we’ve all learned over the last couple of years!