As winter fast approaches and that threat of snow hangs over us, many of us are already sending less time outdoors. Winter is the season of festivities and sitting next to a warm fire, but this means that winter can take its toll on our health. The nights are long, the cold bites, flues, and colds are everywhere. Exercising seems like a distant dream, while unhealthy food offers the warmth and comfort we are looking for. So, what can we do to stay healthy this winter?
Stock up on Essentials
You never know when you might be in desperate need of something and not be able to buy it. So, it stocking up on those essentials makes sense. Think about things such as over-the-counter pain relief, throat lozenges, and decongestants. Some vitamin D supplements won't go amiss either, as well as anything else you may need. Thin also about food items that may become more difficult to buy as the cold hits. Another consideration is wood for those wood-burning fires and stoves. Candles and batteries may be a good shout, too, just in case those power lines go down.
Eat Well and Keep Fluids Up
If you are concerned about coming down with some, especially in the days of Covid, then you should take care of yourself, even when the weather tells you too much fatty food. Eat as much fresh fruit and veg as you possibly can. These are nature's medicines, filled with vital vitamins and minerals which can help you fight any cold or flu. Remembering to drink plenty of water, too, is virtual. It helps the body flush out toxins and ensures that all your organs are hydrated and working as effectively as they can.
Be Safe
Ensuring that you are equipped for the conditions is a great way to avoid injury and stay healthy. Wearing the right warm clothes for the weather conditions is a start. Using chains on your tires, and hurting a snow plowing contractor to make your walkways safe, are all must-dos. If you get a chill, an illness, fall over, get frostbite, or even crash your car due to being unprepared for the weather condition, then you are going to suffer the consequences. So, be sensible and be safe. The safety of your family should be number one on your priority list.
Your Heating System
If you haven't tested your heating system or had a maintenance check before the winter comes, then you may be in for a shock. Waiting until winter to turn your system in and discover you have an issue is a big mistake. Furnace maintenance costs a lot more in the winter as the engineers are far busier. So, ideally, you need an annual check in the early autumn or late summer. When it comes to using your system, you need to resist the urge, no matter how strong it may be, to really turn that heating up a few notches. Having it set too high can cause more illness, waste gas and money, and cost you a lot more in the long run.