Now that summer is almost over, cold and often icy weather is on the horizon, which can cause havoc with our day-to-day lifestyle. During the fall and winter seasons, it’s important to be aware of how to keep ourselves healthy and protect our wellbeing due to the vast number of illnesses and other dangers that are present during this time of year. This guide will highlight some of the best tips to take on board for maintaining your health and wellbeing during the fall and winter. Take a look at the pointers below to gain helpful advice on what to be aware of.
Table of Contents
1. Get a flu vaccine
While Coronavirus has become the main priority over the past 18 months, the standard flu is fast becoming a forgotten illness; yet it’s still very much around and can be extremelydangerous for certain individuals. Those who are over the age of 50, pregnant, or are clinically vulnerable (with conditions such as asthma or COPD) are most at risk of contracting severe flu symptoms and in rare cases, it can be fatal. It would be advisable to have a flu vaccine each year to reduce your risk of contraction and the complications which follow. If possible, aim to get yourflu vaccine during the fall when infection rates are low, so you are less likely to contract the virus in the months that follow.
2. Keep moving
As you may be spending less time outside due to harsh weather conditions, it would be advisable to stay fit and active—even when indoors. It’s easy to lounge around on the sofa and watch movies all day, but this can have an impact on your muscle strength and mobility. This is particularly important for older people who are less agile and are at risk of ceased muscles and joints without getting their daily exercise. If you are able, you could pledge to walk around the block each day to encourage yourself to stay active, but there are plenty of exercises you can carry out at home to keep you in good shape when the weather is bad. Yoga is a particularly beneficial type of exercise as it helps to reduce inflammation of the joints and is shown to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
If you do happen to have any current mobility issues, it may be worth speaking to your GP about the best ways to stay active with your condition while also limiting your risk of injury.
3. Wrap up warm
When deciding to brave the outdoors, it would be highly advisable to wrap up warm with plenty of layers to prevent the cold weather from affecting your body. If you have a respiratory condition, it would be recommended that you don’t venture outdoors too frequently, as the extreme cold could trigger symptoms and put your health at risk.
Chilblains can also be prevented by wrapping up warm while outdoors. These itchy red patches are a type of inflammation of the skin which occurs when the body is heated up quickly (going indoors) after the body temperature significantly drops. Although they can be irritating and often painful, they should clear up without any medical attention in a matter of weeks.
4. Keep paths clear
During the coldest spells of winter, snowfall is common in some US states. While walking and playing in the snow can be fun for many, it can also be the cause of many incidents,which may then lead to serious, long-term injuries. The best way to avoid slipping over would be to invest in Cub Cadet snowblowers to clear pathways for safety purposes, therefore reducing the risk of falls and accidents.
5. Get enough vitamin D
Now that the summer sun has drifted behind the clouds for another year, our bodies can significantly lack vitamin D, which is usually absorbed from the sun’s rays. This can cause several symptoms, including seasonal depression, tiredness, and even make us more susceptible to illness and disease. With this in mind, you need to add vitamin D substitutes to your diet to prevent such circumstances from occurring, including fish, eggs, meat, and dairy products. You could also invest in a UVB lamp that helps the skin produce vitamin D in a similar manner to sunlight, meaning you won’t suffer from the symptoms mentioned above.
6. Take care of your mental health
While your physical wellbeing is important during winter, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of taking care of your mental health. You may be spending more and more time in your own home, which may cause you to feel isolated, anxious, and depressed. Ensure you’re spending time socializing, whether it be on the phone or online, and take time to plan activities or learn new skills to keep yourself occupied.
