Brought to you by Chemists’ Own
As winter swings around and the days become shorter, we start to feel the chill in the air, turn on the heating and pull on our warmer clothes – and we often find that, annoyingly, some health conditions can increase.
Cold and flu outbreaks in particular are more prevalent during the colder months, and asthma and chest conditions can be exacerbated by the cooler conditions.
Getting sick this winter isn’t inevitable, and there are things you can do to help you remain healthy. While colds and flu are caused by viruses, and there is no way to completely prevent them, you can lessen their impact.
Here are five ways to boost your chances of staying well and own your health this sniffle season.
1. Stay hydrated
It’s tempting to lose the emotional support water bottle in the colder months, but staying hydrated isn’t just a summer thing. Keeping up with your eight glasses of water each day will ensure your hydration levels remain topped up. If you struggle with cold drinks, move to herbal teas for something more warming.
By keeping hydrated, your body temperature remains regulated, and your body will be able to remove toxins and carry oxygen and important nutrients around your body more easily. Drinking water also ensures your body functions in the correct way, which can help improve energy levels and keep your immune system functioning. Plus, staying hydrated ensures the mucus membranes in your lungs and sinuses will remain moist, which is super important as it they help the body fight infections.
2. Eat well
The chilly winter weather may make you want to reach for the comfort foods, and there are ways to do this and keep up with your nutrients, too.
Eating a healthy balanced diet that includes a variety of foods and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day will keep your immune system strong, and help it fight viruses. Ensure your diet includes a host of good fats, proteins, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and carbohydrates to nourish you.
A healthy diet is important as it ensures that your immune system functions well as it defends your body against viruses like the cold and flu.
(Credit: Getty Images)Some winter weather healthy favourites to boost immunity include: roasted carrot and pumpkin soup, which will boost beta-carotene and is great for your immune system; broccoli and cauliflower are packed with vitamin C, which helps enhance immunity; warm oats are high in fibre and zinc, great for immunity boosting.
3. Practice healthy habits
It’s more important than ever at this time of year to practice healthy habits to help minimise your chance of catching a cough, cold, or the flu.
Healthy hygienic habits include washing your hands often with soap and warm water, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and trying to avoid contact with those who have flu-like symptoms.
If you do become ill, it’s important to stay home from work and limit your contact with others so that you don’t infect them too.
4. Keep yourself active
While the cold weather may make your motivation wane, exercise is one of the easiest quick-fix solutions to staying healthy. Exercise will not only warm you up, but it also strengthens the immune system, which will in turn help fight any infections that come your way.
Being inside and cooped up in heated buildings can help viruses spread. Use your lunch break to get outside in the fresh air, even just for a walk, and you’ll also get a beautiful vitamin D boost.
Exercise can help boost your body’s natural defences.
(Credit: Getty Images)Winter illness guide
If you are suffering with a cough, cold or flu this winter, relieve symptoms with rest, drink lots of water, and the following medications may also help you feel better while you recover:
• Chemists’ Own Cough, Cold & Flu Relief PE Capsules
Temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms, including headaches, body aches and pains, blocked nose, runny nose and dry irritated coughs. Reduces fever.
• Chemists’ Own Chesty Mucus Cough Liquid
For the relief of chesty cough and cold symptoms. Helps liquefy mucus. Expectorant.
• Chemists’ Own Chesty Forte Tablets
Mucolytic. Breaks down mucus and helps clear chest congestion.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.
Brought to you by Chemists’ Own
