As the weather starts to change, many of us are fighting off coughs and colds. It’s only normal to pick up colds in winter time, with most of us getting up to four every year. When you’ve got a family, especially with school-aged children, it can often feel like you are passing coughs, colds and other bugs between you for six months. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Here’s how to keep your family in top shape this winter.
Get a Flu Jab
The first thing you should do is check to see if you are eligible for a free flu vaccination. Many children and adults with existing conditions or working in certain professions are eligible. Staff at your local health practice who have graduated from an online masters in health administration will be able to tell you.
If you’re not able to get one for free, you can buy one either at your doctors or a local pharmacy. They’re usually quite cheap and well worth it for the knowledge you are safe from flu, which can be incredibly unpleasant.
Wrap up Warm
We’ve always been told that we should wrap up warm to avoid getting ill, but it’s actually only recently that it’s been proven to make a difference. If you are cold, particularly your face and nose, bacteria find it easier to invade your body and spread. So, make sure your home is warm and that you are well wrapped up when you go out, including a hat and scarf. Medical professionals are always on the lookout for new research and ways to fight illness; if you want to join them, consider studying an online EMHA degree.
Get Plenty of Rest
Another reason that we’re more susceptible to illness in winter time is that we’re tired. First, we’re rushing to get the kids back to school, then out of nowhere, we’re preparing for the holidays. To help make sure your body can fight off bugs, get plenty of rest and eight hours sleep a night.
Eat Well
There are loads of foods you can eat to boost your immune system and help protect yourself. So, while the odd treat is fine, try to avoid saturated fats, greasy food, and refined sugars as much as possible and instead fill your meals with these immune-boosting foods:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sweet potatoes
- Citrus fruits
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Yoghurt
- Spinach
- Almonds
You should get all the vitamins and minerals you need from just eating a healthy diet, but taking a vitamin supplement can’t hurt if you want to make sure.
Exercise
Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do when it’s cold and dark outside, but making sure you get some exercise every day can boost your immune system, improve your circulation, and make you feel better. So, get wrapped up and take the kids to the park whenever you can.
Good Hygiene
Your best defense against winter colds is good hygiene. Encourage your family to wash their hands regularly and bath or shower every day. Them, make sure your home is clean and that clothes are thoroughly washed.
You probably won’t be able to stop colds completely, but by making a few changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce the number of colds you catch and give your body the best chance to fight them off as quickly and painlessly as possible.