Adopt plenty of healthy habits and see off those winter blues
BEATING the winter blues is easy if you really put your mind to it as it’s important to tackle the season head-on by incorporating positive ideas to help protect against the cold. People who are older and suffer from certain medical conditions are more at risk from contracting flu which is why a visit to your GP for a chat about the annual Flu Vaccination might be worth your while. A detailed HSE pamphlet is now in circulation answering all your questions and October is the month to have the vaccination.
Winter is a season that pays no heed to age and no matter how old you are, exploring precautions that help protect our immune systems is never a wasted venture. A well-bolstered immune system won’t always protect against flu but it can help to reduce the effects of debilitating symptoms.
As the evenings shorten, it’s vital that you make alterations that help resistance. Eating healthily and keeping active are important ways to keep you ticking over soundly during winter. Immunity thrives in a body that keeps active and ever more so if plenty of vitamins are included in your diet. Plenty of vitamin A, C, D and E will quickly get to work and many older generations swear by the reputation of Cod Liver Oil. Food also plays its part in helping to stave off those annoying colds and where possible you should try to source the aforementioned vitamins through food consumption rather than supplements. It’s not always possible, but it’s deemed more natural.
Drinking plenty of water is important too as it helps in the production of lymph which carries white blood cells to help boost immune systems. Conversely, however, is the reduction in alcohol as the latter causes the opposite effect in blood cells and often people discover they get cold or flu symptoms after a bout of alcohol, which is partly down to a weakened immune system. This might sound like a bit of a no-brainer, but clothes and dressing appropriately are also important defence mechanisms against cold and flu. ‘Layers’ is the key here, and lots of them.
Another old chestnut is to wear a hat and scarf. It might be an old wives tale, but many consider protection of the head and throat area essential at winter time. Lastly, whatever methods are most suited to you, make them a regular habit throughout winter and not just during the first cold spell that hits. Winter is hard enough, so try make it a little easier on yourself by avoiding those winter blues.