Tips to ward off this winter’s ailments
Now is a good time to start thinking about how to keep yourself and family healthy this winter.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service’s top 10 wellness tips for winter aim to help you spend your time doing the things you enjoy, instead of staying at home and feeling unwell.
Flu vaccination – everyone will be better off if they have the flu vaccine as it will help stop the spread of flu. Visit fightflu.co.nz and immune. org.nz for more information. Washing hands – winter illnesses are easily spread by our hands. So remember to wash your hands regularly and correctly.
Exercise daily – a 30-minute walk outside each day gives you some fresh air and helps your body get stronger to fight off winter colds and flu.
Eat healthy – eating a healthy diet helps build your immune system and keeps you feeling and looking well. Make healthy choices by enjoying a good selection of fresh vegetables with some lean protein and try to reduce sugar and salt. Visit healthed.govt.nz for healthy food ideas.
Fresh air in your home – making sure your home is well aired helps keep your home dry and your family well.
Dampness – a simple tip like keeping the bathroom door closed when showering or bathing can lessen dampness settling around the house. Too much dampness allows mould and mildew to grow and can lead to respiratory illness.
Dehumidifier – if possible use a dehumidifier in your home. It can help keep your home dry, especially if there is a lot of moisture.
Coughs and sneezing – if you are coughing or sneezing then you may be spreading bugs. The best way to avoid this is to stay away from work or school. Also make sure you don’t cough and sneeze around babies and small children. Because of their developing immune systems they can get sick very easily.
Quit smoking – if you do smoke then do so outside and away from enclosed spaces. Never smoke around children. If you want to stop smoking visit quit.org.nz for support.
Health advice is only a phone call away – if you or your child is feeling unwell you can get free health advice from trained registered nurses by phoning Health Line, a 24-hour service on 0800 611 116.