With winter on the horizon, most of us are buzzing with excitement as we start to gear up for the festive season and the rest of the delightful perks this time of the year brings.
But although most of us love winter, it can be taxing on the mind and the body, with colder temperatures, diminishing sunlight and the high prevalence of viruses all taking their toll on both our mental and physical health.
To help you prepare for the cold snap and keep you in tip-top shape, we’ve put together this guide to remind you of some crucial steps to take to protect your health this winter.
The Flu Jab
Every year there are around a billion cases of influenza across the globe, with three to five million of them resulting in serious illness. In the UK alone, flu killed around 15,000 people last year, so it’s important to protect yourself against this potentially life-threatening virus, especially if you’re over 60 or you’re immuno-compomised.
By far the most important step to take to protect yourself is the flu jab. Influenza can be particularly severe in the winter – known as flu season – and the vaccine can help provide essential protection.
On top of keeping yourself protected, an added benefit is the flu jab helps prevent you from spreading the virus to others. So if you’re living with elderly or vulnerable people then it offers protection for all.
If you’re looking for pharmacy flu vaccinations, remember we offer these in all our branches on private and NHS.
Protecting Your Hearing Aid
Are you using a hearing aid? If so, keep in mind the harsh conditions of winter can pose a threat to your indispensable device.
Cold temperatures and moisture can affect their performance, but for those who rely on hearing aids, using a hearing aid protector can help shield it from the elements and ensure it keeps working right though winter.
Mental Health
With fewer social activities taking place and a lack of sunlight in winter, some can start to feel a little under the weather in winter. This is especially true for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can cause feelings of depression in wintertime.
If you suffer from any mental health issues then it’s essential to be proactive in managing your condition to stop it from spiralling out of control.
There are many ways to do this, and your way of keeping your mental health in good shape may involve spending time outdoors during daylight hours, using light therapy lamps or seeking support from a mental health professional.
Staying Warm
It can’t be overstated how important it is to stay warm during winter. Cold temperatures can have a significant impact on your health,especially if you have any underlying conditions like arthritis or respiratory issues.
So, despite the eye-watering energy bills, remember the importance of keeping your home adequately heated and wear appropriate clothing when outdoors. This can really help keep you safe and healthy during the colder months.
Keep Exercising
It’s no secret that getting motivated to go to the gym or do your regular exercise regime is a challenge in winter. But that’s part of the fun, right? Although peeling yourself away from your warm, cosy home can be tough, with those endorphins pumping after your workout, you’ll be glad that you went.
On top of that, regular physical activity helps boost your immune system, increase circulation and help maintain your strength and flexibility.
If you’re really not keen on going outside, consider finding a winter-friendly exercise routine such as indoor classes or home workouts. You’ll find a wealth of excellent options on Youtube.
Supplement With Vitamins
As the days grow shorter and your exposure to sunlight decreases, this can lead to a deficiency in Vitamin D. In fact, around one in six adults and 20% of children in the UK are deficient in this essential nutrient that’s responsible for a range of function including
Consider taking a vitamin D supplement, especially if you spend less time outdoors in the winter, and add a Vitamin C tablet, too, as this can also boost your immune system.
It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before you supplement with anything as they can help you determine dosage. This is especially true if you’re taking any regular medication.
Diet And Hydration
You might have heard the phrase “you are what you eat”, and when it comes to maintaining good health in winter this is undoubtedly true.
That’s’ because your diet can play a significant role in keeping your fit and healthy, especially if you’re eating a balanced diet that’s nutrient rich and free from lots of processed, unhealthy foods.This helps boost your immune system, staves off disease and illness and keep your energy levels high.
Likewise, staying hydrated is also crucial to help keep you in great shape. With temperatures lower in winter, it can be less obvious when your body’s becoming dehydrated, so many people don’t drink as much fluids as they should.
But this is a mistake as hydration is just as important in winter as it is in summer. So make sure to drink plenty of water and warm beverages to make sure you’re sufficiently hydrated.
So those are our main tips to help keep you healthy this winter. By getting your flu jab at your local pharmacy or doctor, eating healthily, staying on top of your fluids and maintaining your levels of exercise, you should be able to keep your mental and physical health in great shape once the cold weather arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Staying healthy during winter involves eating a balanced diet, keeping physically active, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and practising good hand hygiene. It’s also important to keep warm, manage any long-term health conditions and seek medical advice if you become unwell.
Yes. If you’re eligible, having your flu vaccination and any other recommended seasonal vaccines before winter can help protect you against serious illness. Vaccination is especially important for older adults, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with people who are unwell, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly and stay up to date with recommended vaccinations. These simple steps can help lower your risk of flu and other seasonal infections.