Tips for a Safe and Healthy Winter
Work Out Even When it’s Cold
Yes, you'll need to bundle up, but by exercising outdoors on sunny winter days, you may boost your mood while staying in shape. Dress in warm layers and be sure to warm up and stretch before your workout; your muscles are tighter and at greater risk of injury when your body is cold. Another tip: Head into the wind when you start out, so that it won’t blow in your face on the way home when you’re colder.
Quick Tips for Chapped Lips
If windy, cold winter weather is wreaking havoc on your lips, fight back. Start by using a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher, and combat dry air in your home by using a humidifier. Try not to lick your lips—it’s a temporary fix that can actually cause lips to chap even more. Finally, bundle up with a dressy scarf to protect your face, especially on windy days.
Feed Your Cold
Some foods do seem to ease cold symptoms and boost immunity. Homemade chicken soup sounds cliché, but there's scientific evidence it may temporarily lessen cold symptoms. Honey soothes on contact, so try using it to ease nighttime cough and sleep disturbances (but never give honey to children younger than 1 because of the risk of infant botulism). The friendly bacteria found in kefir or yogurt may also boost your immunity and help prevent or reduce the severity of the common cold.
Beat the Winter Blues
Cloudy, endless winter days getting you down? It’s actually the perfect time to get inspired and do those things you’ve always wanted to do. Sign up for local art or music classes and learn how to paint or play a new instrument. Visit the local library and rediscover the joy of leisurely reading an actual book. Or get down to it and tackle that messy, overcrowded attic or basement. You’ll earn a feeling of accomplishment and boost your mental health too.
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