Tips To Stay Healthy Through The Winter

Avoid getting bogged down by the flu and other winter worries by taking steps to keep yourself safe and healthy through the cold.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Exercise is important, but if you plan to venture outside in frigid temperatures, make sure you are taking precautions to protect yourself from hypothermia and frostbite.

• Limit your exposure to cold, windy conditions and only venture out for short periods of time.
• Wearing several thin layers of clothing are preferable to a single thick layer. This way, you can shed a layer of clothing without becoming too cold.
• Always wear a hat and gloves to retain as much body heat as possible. Scarves will also protect your lungs from the cold air.

Listen To Your Body

Maintaining your health through winter involves more than getting your annual flu shot – which is highly recommended for those 65 and older – so keep these tips in mind.

• Learn the signs of a heart attack. Cold temperatures mean your heart pumps harder to push blood through your body, increasing your blood pressure and placing you at risk of a heart attack.
• Seasonal depression can strike during the winter since the sun is providing less Vitamin D to battle the blues. Take Vitamin D supplements and schedule regular outings with friends and family to help alleviate symptoms.
• There is no solid evidence to support the idea that winter aggravates joint pain, but mild exercise is a good way to keep yourself moving smoothly. Check out indoor swimming sessions for an exercise that is easy on your joints.

Keep The House Cozy

The cold can creep inside even if the doors and windows are shut. Be aware of possible air leaks and drafts to maintain the temperature in your home and save on your heating bill.

• Keep the thermostat set between 68 to 70° Fahrenheit.
• Close the doors and air vents in rooms you’re not using to concentrate the heat in your living space.
• Roll up towels to stop drafts from coming in through doors.
• Draw the blinds and curtains to keep window drafts at bay in the evening.

To learn more about how Embassy Healthcare can help you stay safe this winter, call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.