Tips for Staying Healthy During the Winter Months

Winter can be a wonderful time to enjoy staying in by the fire, watching your favorite movies and enjoying comfort foods. With the joy and beauty of winter, however, comes the looming risk of germs and illness. Here, the home care providers at Avila Home Care discuss helpful tips to keep you healthy and happy during the winter months.

Disinfect Your Surroundings

The start of winter is a great time to give your home a thorough cleaning to help kill lingering germs. You can use nontoxic disinfectant sprays and paper towels- cloth towels and sponges tend to hold onto germs. 

Remember to Wash Your Hands Frequently

One of the easiest ways to stay healthy throughout the winter season is to wash your hands as frequently as possible. Cold and flu viruses often live on your hands, so rubbing your face and shaking hands are common ways to catch the virus. All you need is soap, water and about 20 seconds (say the alphabet or sing “Happy Birthday”) of scrubbing your hands and you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick this winter. Also, be sure to launder bathroom and kitchen hand towels frequently- these harbor germs and are often the way germs spread in households. Additionally, as the winter progresses, be cautious of the people around you and if they are feeling under the weather reschedule your visits with them.

Exercise and Stay Active During the Winter Months

For seniors, physical activity can play a huge role in your overall health, especially during the winter. Benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle include a boosted immune system to help fight off illness more effectively, an improved cardiovascular function, a lowered risk of chronic conditions and stronger bones to help prevent breaks from a fall, making it extremely important to stay active.

There are many ways you can maintain an active lifestyle during the winter months. Start a new workout regimen at your local gym, do indoor stretching and workout exercises and take advantage of good weather. Getting out of the house and going for a walk, or biking to your local shops during pleasant weather in the winter months, can be an easy way to stay active and socialize. Many local shopping malls are great for seniors to walk laps in during the winter months, and some even have pre-scheduled senior citizen walks where you can socialize while you exercise! 

Watch Your Diet and Eat Healthy 

It is easy to warrant bad eating habits during the cold winter months, but a healthy diet during this time can play a major part in keeping you well. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet helps to strengthen your immune system and fight off viruses and infection. You can winterize your diet with certain foods including root vegetables, oatmeal, soup, dark leafy vegetables and garlic. 

Make an Appointment to See Your Doctor

See your doctor at the start of the winter months to discuss how you can stay healthy over the season,  including asking your doctor or local pharmacy about a flu shot. 

Learn More With Avila Home Care

As the winter season progresses, stay conscious of your efforts to stay healthy. Following these tips can help you reduce your risk of illness. The home care providers at Avila Home Care offer a variety of services, including personal care, meal preparation and nutrition services, transportation and light cleaning to help you stay healthy this winter. To learn more about how Avila can help you or a loved one stay healthy and happy, we encourage you to speak to one of our dedicated staff members today.  

The aging in place caregivers at Avila Home Care always encourage readers to discuss any health questions or concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Some content in this article was sourced from Cleveland Clinic and UPMC Pinnacle. 

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