STAYING HEALTHY DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON
February 13, 2018
Pittsburgh Fitness Project
Health, wellness, and fitness are a wonderful positive cycle! But what happens when the “health” part of that cycle goes awry?! Today we want to share with you our top five tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season!
#1 WASH YOUR HANDS!
The most important way to prevent picking up viruses during the winter season is good hand hygiene. We all touch our faces several times per minute. And during cough and cold season, that’s one of the prime modes to pick up infection. Carry some hand sanitizer and use it frequently throughout the day. If you are sick yourself, stay home if you can. Cough into your elbow, not your hands. And use hand sanitizer after blowing your nose.
#2 HYDRATE
Our risks for dehydration actually increase during winter months. We shunt more blood from our extremities to our core, which increases how much urine we produce. We actually also lose more moisture through our breathing during the winter. Proper hydration keeps all our body functions working properly and can help prevent illness. Try eating fruits with a high water content in addition to drinking water and avoid excess caffeine or alcohol intake. In addition, your skin is an important barrier against infection so running a humidifier at night can prevent dry skin and maintain proper moisturization
#3 SLEEP
Our body clocks may get thrown off by less sunlight during the winter months, upsetting our sleep cycle. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule will help keep your immune system healthy and strong.
#4 PROPER NUTRITION
Good nutrition is always great year round. Anti-oxidant fruits and veggies like mandarin oranges, apples, grapefruits, broccoli, brussel sprouts and carrots will boost your immunity and mood.
#5 KEEP EXERCISING
Exercise will help beat the winter blues and keep off the weight as we get ready for the spring and summer. Take an indoor fitness class or hit the exercise machines!