Cold Weather Health

These days, sometimes “sick” can seem like the buzzword. People almost eagerly report their latest cold, flu, headache, or fatigue. Should this be the case? Sometimes we take our health for granted and then realize all-too-late that we could have done something better to prevent or ward off our illness. Here are a few tips are intended to cause no harm and hopefully help the body remain in its happiest, healthy state.

Easy Healthy Tips:

• Drink lots of water. Especially in winter, it is easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Doctors recommend 6-8 glasses a day, but make sure it is clean (purified or spring, not tap). Water helps remove waste so your organs, especially the kidneys, intestines, and your skin, will thank you.
• Exercise. When it is cold, the last thing you may want to do is go outside, but don’t be afraid - fresh air is good for you. Some brisk, chilly air will refresh your lungs, improve your circulation, and wake you up. Even hitting the gym or going to a yoga class will keep your blood and energy circulating and your body healthy. Even simple choices to keep moving, such as taking the stairs or walking instead of taking the train, will help. In the long run, you will find decreased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke and other illnesses. Doesn’t that seem like good tradeoff?
• Smile. Shorter days and cloudy weather may seem like a reason for the blues, but it is not necessarily so. Just changing your expression can elevate your mood and your outlook, and your friends and coworkers will share the benefit.

• Get some calm. Maybe its the plant on your desk, the beautiful view, the relaxing music, or your favorite cologne that makes you just say “Ahhh.” Taking a few deep breaths when you needing it and creating ways for you to relax will help you move through stressful times and stay connected to your truest, peaceful self. Lower blood pressure and decreased risk of disease list among the benefits.
• Eat smart. For health, don’t feel that you always have to eat just raw fruits and vegetables but don’t look for food to satisfy your emotional needs either. Look for seasonal, warming but not heavy food (vegetable soups, sauteed vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, etc.). Foods such as nuts, apples, squash, potatoes, and avocado are filling and nutritious. Look for bright colors which indicated antioxidants that wil keep your immune system healthy. Winter citrus such as orange and grapefruit are particularly delicious over the winter months and contain significant amounts of immune system-supporting Vitamin C.