10 Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter Season

It’s official: cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s important to keep your immune system in tip-top shape! Here’s a refresher on the simple habits you can incorporate into your routine to feel healthy and happy this winter season.

1. Get Vaccinated

Vaccination is the an important tool to prevent against disease! With so many viruses circulating this year, it’s important to stay up-to-date. Yearly flu vaccination is recommended as vaccines may be updated from one year to the next to help protect against the latest strains. Getting a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit is recommended if you are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. Importantly, both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been proven safe and effective for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. The CDC now also recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant individuals during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

2. Focus on Good Nutrition

Eating a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals can help to support your immune system so it can be better prepared to fight off germs. Certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc are the most effective in helping ward off infections. Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, as well as vegetables like broccoli and Brussel sprouts, are all great sources of Vitamin C. Good sources of vitamin D include eggs and oily fish like salmon. Meat, poultry, and legumes are also great natural sources of zinc.

3. Invest in a Humidifier

Humidifiers can provide a variety of health benefits during the cold, dry winter months. By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers can help to alleviate cold or allergy symptoms like a runny nose or sinus congestion. They can also provide much-needed nourishment for your skin and help prevent chapping.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is essential to allowing our bodies and minds to recharge every night. In fact, did you know that as you sleep your body produces proteins, known as cytokines, that can help fight infections and inflammation? Practicing good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time each night and limiting technology use an hour or two before bed can help to ensure better sleep.

5. Wash Your Hands Regularly

By now, we likely all are aware of the benefits of handwashing in preventing germs from entering our bodies. The CDC recommends washing for at least 20 seconds, or to the tune of “Happy Birthday”. You could also sing to the chorus of your favorite pop hit. Songs like “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo or “Love on Top” by Beyonce, and many more, provide the perfect timing and make the process a little more fun!

6. Engage in Exercise

Experts agree that 30 minutes of moderate cardio each day can help support our immune system. Exercise helps to increase white blood cell counts and ward off infections. Of course, if you are sick, it’s best to rest and allow your body to recover before engaging in any strenuous activity.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is still important, even in the colder months. It’s generally recommended to drink 8 cups of water a day to help with brain and body function.

8. Disinfect Your Phone

One of the most germ-filled objects in your home is likely your cell phone, because it’s picking up all of the germs that you are throughout the day. In fact, researchers at the University of Arizona found it may be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat – yikes! Using a special phone cleaning wipe or a UV light can help to kill germs.

9. Take Time to Relax

With a busy holiday schedule and year-end deadlines to meet, it’s easy to feel stressed during winter months. That stress can decrease our immune system’s ability to fight off infection. If you feel tensions rising, make sure to set aside time for yourself for whatever helps you to relax – yoga, meditation, reading, or catching up with a friend! 

10. Stay Home If You’re Sick

Beyond caring for our own health, we can care for others around us by staying home if we’re sick and avoiding social gatherings.

While we hope you’re busy spending the season with friends and loved ones, your Axia Women’s Health care team is always here, if and when you need us.