Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Keep Yourself Healthy this Winter

By Andrew Mitchell

The winter time is when residents of the United Kingdom hunker down in warm homes. They wrap themselves in thick clothes and blankets and spend the winter in front of roaring fires and radiators turned all the way up. The object during UK winters is to stay warm and dry. Because this is the goal, most residents of the UK think that staying healthy during the winter months is easy. In fact, it is just as important to monitor your health and take care of yourself during the winter as it is during the warmer months of the year. Here are some tips to help you make sure you are as healthy as you can possibly be this winter time.

1. Practice proper nutrition. It will be tempting to simply snack away the winter months and doing so is certainly easy with all of the treats that are served and given out during the winter holidays. Do your best to ensure that you are eating as many vegetables, fruits and grains as you need while also making sure that sugar and fat do not take over your diet. Don't forget to have at least two servings of dairy products each day as well.

2. Get Your Sleep. The winter time seems made for sleeping but you would be surprised how often people lose sleep during the darkest months of the year. Go to bed on time and get at least eight hours a night. You need to rest so your immune system stays strong.

3. Wash Your Hands. Use hot and soapy water to wash your hands every time you visit the loo and before each meal that you eat. Most cold and virus germs can be defeated before they take hold by simply keeping your hands clean and disinfected.

4. Stay Active. Going for a run might feel brutal during the cold winter months, so invest in a gym membership instead. It is important to keep your body active to help fight off the lower moods that often accompany the cold weather and extra hours of darkness. Exercising regularly will also help fight off any weight gain you might be worried about after eating all of those holiday treats!

5. Get a Flu Shot. There are plenty of places where flu shots are affordable or even free. Make sure you get yours every year to give yourself extra defence against the colds and viruses that wreak havoc during the winter time.

6. Quit Smoking. Smoking is terrible for your health"a fact that everyone knows. Smoking indoors is extra unhealthy because it affects the health of the people in the house with you as well as your own lungs.

7. Stay cheerful! Cheerfulness really can help you stay healthy during the winter! - 14130

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