Staying Healthy in Winter

Wintertime is associated with sickness and uncomfortably cold weather. Not everyone lives in a warm climate, and some of us don’t mind the winter season. Being a native Chicagoan, I’d like to give you a few tips on getting through winter.

What to do to Stay Healthy During Winter

Increase your Vitamin C

According to Mayo Clinic, the daily recommended intake of vitamin C is 90 mg, with an upper limit of 2,000. Don’t be afraid to hit that upper limit. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so you’ll filter out whatever your body does not use. Vitamin C is the building block of your immune system, and making sure you get enough daily is crucial to staying healthy. IV doses of vitamin C have been shown to cure certain cancers, so you can only imagine how valuable it is to your body.

Wash Your Hands and Cover Your Mouth

I’m sure that is what you tell your kids, but do you do it as much as you should? About 40% to 60% of people admit to not washing their hands, and roughly the same amount does not cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing. Instead, you should wash and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and use your arm to cover your mouth. Don’t be part of the problem, do the simple hygiene routine that can stop the spread of infection.

Turn in Early

Getting enough sleep is an essential aspect of staying healthy. Inconsistency in sleep and sleep deprivation decrease immune cells in your body. When it’s time to fight a virus, your body is weaker, leading you to get sick more easily. Knocking out early will give you more energy to tackle the next day’s challenges. Plus, there is nothing more comforting during a cold night than snuggling up in a warm blanket and falling asleep.

Moisturize

Our skin gets dried out more frequently during winter. It is essential to keep your skin healthy and happy. Moisturizer helps treat damaged skin. Skin is our first barrier against germs. Make sure it is hydrated and satisfied. It just feels right having healthy skin.

Dress for the Weather

Hoodie and short-season are over; you may be able to get away with it in fall but not winter. Keeping your body warm promotes circulation. Why put yourself through the trouble of feeling colder than you should. Not dressing appropriately causes your body to focus on internally staying warm. This takes away from your body’s ability to fight germs. If you don’t like winter, don’t make it worse for yourself. Dress warmly.

Closing Thoughts

Winter can be rough and uncomfortable, especially when you’re not used to them. Staying healthy during this season is especially important because this is the time most people are getting sick. It is crucial to take plenty of vitamin C, wash your hands, and cover your mouth, get plenty of rest, moisturize, and dress warmly.